Ukraine and Europe Respond to Putin’s Plan: A New Window for Diplomatic Negotiations
The global political landscape is witnessing renewed diplomatic efforts concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In response to Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s proposal to cease fire and exchange territorial control, Ukraine and major European countries Have unveiled their own counterproposal, which could serve as a foundation for future negotiations between Russia and the West.
According to diplomatic insiders, this new plan aims to foster stability and security for Ukraine and to pave the way for high-level talks, potentially involving U.S.
President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During recent meetings in the UK, Moscow proposed a trade: Kyiv would transfer control of parts of Donetsk to Russia in exchange for a ceasefire.
However, European nations such as Great Britain, France, and Germany rejected this idea.
These initiatives emerged after talks between Putin and U.S.
Special Envoy Steve Vitos in the Kremlin, during which Trump postponed additional sanctions and agreed to a summit with Putin scheduled for August 15 in Alaska.
The European strategy emphasizes strict adherence to a ceasefire before any territorial negotiations, with land swaps only permissible on mutual consent, and both sides withdrawing troops from occupied regions.
Additionally, the document discusses security guarantees for Ukraine, including potential NATO membership, sparking discussions on whether Putin might abandon demands for demilitarization and government change.
Over 76% of U.S.
voters support sanctions against Russia if Moscow refuses negotiations, according to sources.
Reports suggest Putin was willing to agree to a ceasefire in exchange for control over about a third of Donetsk and freezing frontlines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, upon learning these conditions, called them unacceptable and affirmed that Ukraine would not give up any part of its territory.
European officials added that any agreement between the U.S.
and Russia without European leadership’s participation would lack effectiveness.
Analysts note that although Russia has fought for over two years, it has captured less than 1% of Ukrainian territory, mainly in Donetsk, and has suffered heavy losses.
It is unlikely that Russian forces can soon storm well-fortified cities like Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
Given that the Kremlin’s plan is based on a unilateral withdrawal of Ukrainian forces in exchange for a ceasefire, Kyiv and European capitals dismissed it as unacceptable and only advantageous to Russia.
Earlier reports indicated that Trump intends to use his personal influence to broker peace, believing that a face-to-face meeting with Putin could overcome Moscow’s tough stance.
There is also speculation about a possible exchange of territories during negotiations that could bring mutual benefits.