Moscow sharply rejected the European version of a peace plan for Ukraine that was proposed at talks in Geneva. Advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin Yuri Ushakov called the document "not at all constructive." This was reported by the German publication Der Spiegel.
Moscow's position
Ushakov said that the European counterproposal to the American draft "does not work for Moscow." At the same time, he noted that the original U.S. version could serve as a basis for resolving the conflict – many provisions of that plan are "quite acceptable."
Putin's adviser said he expects imminent talks between Russia and the United States to directly discuss the details of the peace plan. There are no concrete agreements yet.
The American plan
The initial U.S. draft envisaged painful concessions for Ukraine: the transfer of large territories in the east of the country to Russia, limits on troop numbers, and renunciation of joining NATO. These demands crossed several of Kyiv's red lines.
Western reaction
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Geneva spoke of significant progress in the talks. According to him, the outstanding issues "are not insurmountable," but he did not reveal details of the contentious topics.
Germany's foreign minister Johann Wadeful also spoke positively of the talks, but acknowledged that possible territorial concessions remain the most problematic point. He emphasized that the current front line should be the start of negotiations, not their end point.
Wadeful stressed that one cannot make agreements "over the heads of Europeans and Ukrainians." It is necessary to guarantee the preservation of Ukraine's sovereignty.
Context
Talks are ongoing in Geneva regarding a 28-point peace plan for Ukraine. European states proposed their own version of the document in response to the American draft, altering several key provisions.
