Details of the US Proposal Regarding Ukraine: Recognition of Crimea as Russian Territory and a New Peace Scenario
As preparations are underway for the upcoming meeting in London, where the next steps to end the Russian-Ukrainian war will be discussed, the United States is reportedly offering Ukraine a highly controversial and risky plan, which has sparked a storm of reactions in political and diplomatic circles. According to American media and sources, including The Washington Post, Washington intends to propose its own conflict resolution concept to Kyiv, comprising a series of complex and even contradictory points. Sources indicate that during negotiations in Paris last week, the US presented Ukraine with its version of a peace formula, which involves official recognition by Washington of Russia’s annexation of Crimea — in other words, the de facto return of this territory under Russian control. This has caused outrage and concern in Kyiv. The proposal also includes ideas to lift sanctions against Russia in exchange for ceasing military actions and the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territories. Thus, the US is virtually suggesting that Kyiv accept a interim peace deal through concessions that provoke significant discontent among NATO partners and the Ukrainian government. The reaction of Ukrainian politicians and diplomats has made it clear that Kyiv perceives these proposals with caution and even some distrust. An unnamed advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the American side’s proposal contains elements Ukraine could agree with, but also numerous points that face resistance and rejection. The most alarming, according to sources, is the demand to recognize Crimea as Russian, which directly contradicts Ukraine’s stance and international law. Many experts and political commentators note that such a move would deal a severe blow to Ukraine’s sovereignty and undermine its position in the conflict. Meanwhile, within foreign policy circles and behind the scenes of diplomatic industry, there is active discussion about the increasing pressure from the US on Ukraine, which is described as more aggressive and "shocking" — notably, through demands for Kyiv to make concessions. Representatives of the American administration claim that there are no coercive decisions in Washington’s relations with Kyiv and emphasize that the negotiation process is ongoing, and all organized proposals are merely ideas for discussion. However, concerns are growing in Ukraine: the true intentions of the US remain uncertain, and many Ukrainian politicians fear that Washington might withdraw support and revert to a policy of "threatening to cut aid" if a compromising solution arises, possibly leading to a so-called "frozen" agreement, leaving Moscow with occupied territories and softening Western sanctions. Warnings are coming from all sides: it is no secret that Washington’s true goals are not only to recognize and institutionalize Russia’s advances but also to create opportunities to maintain influence and control over the region for many years. In this context, European diplomatic sources have already begun discussing the need to strengthen sanctions policy and step up international efforts regarding frozen Russian assets still held in Western banks. The upcoming summit in London, scheduled for April 23, is expected to become a key platform for shaping a new strategy, including agreeing on security guarantees, financial support, and ways to assist Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. Interestingly, according to US officials, this strategy will include the US proposing a new "innovative" peace plan, which, they say, could consider the interests of all parties involved. However, details about its content remain uncertain at this time. After a prolonged period of silence in US-Ukraine relations, Kyiv increasingly fears that this plan may become another form of pressure and deception, once again placing the burden on Ukraine. Overall, ahead of the upcoming negotiations in London, tensions and concerns about the prospects for conflict resolution are mounting. Ukraine and its allies seek a peace pathway that does not betray their national interests and sovereignty. However, trust in the sincerity of US intentions is dwindling, and many analysts are already saying that diplomatic play is becoming more complicated and tangled, with the global community, in light of recent events, leaning more and more toward preparing for tougher scenarios and new challenges in this conflict.