'Russian' Crimea and more: WP reveals details of latest US proposal in London
Photo: Steve Witkoff, US Special Envoy (Getty Images)
The US has prepared its vision of a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia for tomorrow's negotiations in London. Specifically, it allegedly includes the recognition of Crimea as part of Russia, The Washington Post informs.
According to three unnamed sources cited by the outlet, the US initiative, which was presented to Ukraine last week in Paris, involves Washington recognizing Russia's annexation of Crimea and lifting anti-Russian sanctions as part of a future agreement.
In return, Russia would have to cease hostilities against Ukraine. This is considered the "final offer from the US."
An unnamed Western official commented to the WP that the level of pressure on Ukraine is "astounding."
According to journalists, it is expected that French, British, and German negotiators will insist that any agreement include security guarantees and post-war recovery programs, possibly funded by frozen Russian assets.
WP writes that "European and even Ukrainian officials privately acknowledge" that regaining control over the occupied territories is unlikely in the near future. However, there is hope that the rush to conclude an agreement will be slowed down, allowing Moscow to maintain control over the occupied lands and lift sanctions without providing significant benefits to Ukraine.
At the same time, the media outlet, citing its sources, clarifies that the proposal to recognize Crimea as Russian emerged after the visits of US Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff, to Moscow. A WP source called this initiative "Witkoff's idea." It is important to note that Ukraine will not be "forced" to recognize Crimea as Russian.
Meeting in London
Tomorrow, April 23, Ukrainian, French, American, and British officials will meet in London to discuss ways to end the war between Ukraine and Russia. A similar meeting took place in Paris last week.
Recently, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio threatened that if there is no progress in this matter in the coming days, his country will stop acting as a mediator between the two warring nations.
This position was also confirmed by US President Donald Trump. He suggested that the US might withdraw from the negotiations if either side creates significant obstacles.
