Western leaders announced Saturday that the American peace proposal could service as a starting point for talks about the end of Russia's war against Ukraine. However, they stressed that it requires refinements.
The preliminary draft of the 28-point plan contains crucial elements that will be crucial for a just and lasting peace – said EU leaders in a message and added – We so believe that the task is the basis that will require additional work.
According to Reuters reports, the European proposal includes the deployment of NATO fighters in Poland as an component of Russia's deterrence. The paper besides includes US safety guarantees akin to Article 5 of NATO and the Alliance's commitment that it will not place permanent troops in Ukraine during peacetime. Europe besides proposes to increase the limit of Ukrainian armed forces to 800 000 troops alternatively of the 600,000 suggested by the US and to start territorial talks from the current front line alternatively than from greater concessions. In addition, European leaders anticipate Russia to pay Kiev financial compensation and its assets stay frozen until these commitments are settled.
The updated plan is to become the starting point for further discussions.
Optimistic gathering in Geneva
During Sunday talks in Geneva, representatives of Ukraine and the US agreed to revise the draft peace plan. Both delegations stress that the current version of the paper corresponds to the Ukrainian national interests and guarantees its safety. Following the meeting, a joint message was published that the negotiations had moved forward and that the plan had been updated and improved. It was besides stressed that the final agreement must full defend Ukraine's sovereignty and guarantee lasting, fair peace. In addition, close cooperation with European partners has been announced.
The U.S. delegation, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, besides included peculiar Envoy for Peacekeeping Missions Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Secretary for Land Forces Dan Driscoll.
