It was quite a contrast. On Thursday, a US Pentagon delegation was in Kyiv. They were talking to President Zelensky about a draft plan to end the war in Ukraine. At the same time, President Putin, dressed in military fatigues, was addressing his army chiefs on Russian state TV about continuing the fight. He declared that the main objective of the military operation must be achieved unconditionally.
The Izvestia newspaper framed Putin's visit to a command post as a signal to America, suggesting he might negotiate the conflict—but only on Russia's terms.
Fast forward to Friday, Putin announced he had reviewed a US settlement plan for Ukraine. He referred to it as a 'modernized' version of a previous plan discussed with Trump during their Alaska summit. The leaked 28-point proposal emerged after discussions in Miami involving Putin's envoy and Trump's special envoy, indicating a possible shift towards negotiations.
The proposal is controversial, suggesting Ukraine cede parts of Donbass and demilitarize while affirming it won't join NATO. Putin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, emphasized the need for Zelensky to consider a settlement promptly.
Pro-Kremlin media remain bullish about Russia's prospects, despite the pressure domestically due to economic downturns and military losses. Analysts speculate about how these economic strains might affect Putin's decisions regarding a peaceful resolution.
Yet, several elements of the peace plan have sparked discontent in Russia, particularly concerning proposed security guarantees that resemble NATO's Article 5, which could implicate Western forces in future conflicts involving Ukraine.
As things stand, the war continues, and the landscape of diplomacy may be evolving yet again, leaving potential for peace uncertain.
The Izvestia newspaper framed Putin's visit to a command post as a signal to America, suggesting he might negotiate the conflict—but only on Russia's terms.
Fast forward to Friday, Putin announced he had reviewed a US settlement plan for Ukraine. He referred to it as a 'modernized' version of a previous plan discussed with Trump during their Alaska summit. The leaked 28-point proposal emerged after discussions in Miami involving Putin's envoy and Trump's special envoy, indicating a possible shift towards negotiations.
The proposal is controversial, suggesting Ukraine cede parts of Donbass and demilitarize while affirming it won't join NATO. Putin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, emphasized the need for Zelensky to consider a settlement promptly.
Pro-Kremlin media remain bullish about Russia's prospects, despite the pressure domestically due to economic downturns and military losses. Analysts speculate about how these economic strains might affect Putin's decisions regarding a peaceful resolution.
Yet, several elements of the peace plan have sparked discontent in Russia, particularly concerning proposed security guarantees that resemble NATO's Article 5, which could implicate Western forces in future conflicts involving Ukraine.
As things stand, the war continues, and the landscape of diplomacy may be evolving yet again, leaving potential for peace uncertain.
