Diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine have reached a critical juncture. US President Donald Trump's administration has put forward a peace plan that includes significant concessions to Russia, including recognition of its annexation of Crimea and a freeze on the front line. Ukraine has strongly rejected these conditions, insisting on a full ceasefire and the restoration of its territorial integrity.
US offers Ukraine peace plan with concessions to Russia
According to Welt, the United States has offered Ukraine a peace plan that includes informal recognition of Russia's control over most of the occupied territories, including Crimea. In return, Russia will receive the lifting of sanctions and part of the territories in the Kharkiv region will be returned to Ukraine. The Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant will remain under US control, supplying electricity to both countries. Ukraine is to respond to this plan at a meeting in London.
Ukraine rejects terms of surrender
Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said, that Ukraine was ready to negotiate, but would not accept any territorial concessions. She stressed that any agreement that allows Russia to consolidate its gains is unacceptable. Ukraine demands a complete, immediate and unconditional ceasefire on land, in the air and at sea.
The White House threatens to stop participating in the talks
US Vice President J.D. Vance warned, that the White House may withdraw from the talks if an agreement is not reached soon. The US has presented a final proposal that requires territorial concessions from both sides. The plan includes recognition of Russia's sovereignty over Crimea, a freeze on the conflict along the current front lines, the lifting of sanctions against Russia, and a ban on Ukraine's accession to NATO. Despite the Kremlin's openness to negotiations, Russia has continued military strikes, including a drone attack that killed nine people in Marganets.
Trump believes war could end in a few weeks
US President Donald Trump has expressed hope that the war in Ukraine could end "within a few weeks". He noted that with a reasonable approach, the conflict can be resolved quickly, otherwise it will continue, leading to new victims. Trump also expressed confidence that Russia is willing to negotiate a ceasefire that should lead to an end to the war.
Trump may ban funding for Ukraine from American philanthropists
The Donald Trump administration is considering banning American nonprofit organizations from funding humanitarian and charitable projects outside the United States. As reported by the New York Post, these are organizations with 501(c)(3) status, which are tax-exempt. Even religious and humanitarian foundations, including those providing aid to Ukraine during the war, could be banned.
This could have serious consequences for Ukrainians, as World Vision International, for example, has transferred more than $70 million to support Ukraine in 2023 alone. If the decree is signed, the amount of private charitable aid to Ukrainian hospitals, IDPs, and humanitarian programs could be drastically reduced.
Author: Danylo Pievchev