Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a notable shift in diplomacy, the United States, guided by the approaches of former President Donald Trump, is reportedly collaborating with Russia to formulate an intricate 28-point peace plan intended to put an end to the war in Ukraine. This revelation, disclosed by Axios citing various US and Russian officials, draws inspiration from Trump’s earlier 20-point peace initiative concerning Gaza and is being developed behind closed doors.

As per the report, the plan encompasses four crucial domains: achieving peace in Ukraine, security guarantees, ensuring European stability, and redefining US relations with both Russia and Ukraine. However, specifics remain vague concerning how the proposal will tackle Russia’s territorial claims in eastern Ukraine, a major sticking point in the ongoing conflict.

Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy for Peace Missions, is spearheading the drafting efforts, having engaged in significant discussions with Russian counterpart Kirill Dmitriev. In an interview with Axios, Dmitriev highlighted that the framework aims not just to resolve the conflict in Ukraine but also to address Russia’s broader security concerns while restoring relations with the United States. “It’s about crafting enduring security for Europe, not merely Ukraine,” he asserted.

Ukrainian officials have received briefings regarding the plan, with Witkoff recently meeting Rustem Umerov, the national security adviser for Ukraine. European leaders are also being kept in the loop as the US seeks collective international backing.

This initiative follows previous diplomatic maneuvers during the Trump administration, including a summit with President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which did not yield tangible results. The renewed plan signifies a focused attempt to achieve a negotiated settlement, potentially stabilizing the region and addressing the security apprehensions of both Russia and Ukraine.

Analysts argue that the success of this plan will depend on navigating critical issues, especially Russia’s territorial interests and the willingness of Ukraine and its allies to agree to concessions. As the conflict drags into its fourth year, all eyes are on this evolving situation for signs of progress that might lead to lasting peace in Eastern Europe.

This development represents a pivotal moment in international diplomacy, showcasing the US’s active engagement with Russia and the resonance of Trump’s foreign policy even post-presidency. The upcoming weeks are anticipated to provide further insights into the plan's framework and its potential impact on the ongoing conflict.

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