Washington is simultaneously promoting political initiatives for a possible end to the war and making practical decisions in the security sphere. This includes discussing electoral and referendum mechanisms within the framework of a potential peace agreement, as well as approving the sale of spare parts for Ukrainian military equipment. At the same time, the US is developing tougher approaches to arms control and signaling its readiness to act from a position of strength.
Trump's plan to end the war includes elections and a referendum in Ukraine - Reuters
The US side insists on accelerating peace agreements between Ukraine and the Russian Federation and is considering the possibility of holding a nationwide referendum and elections in the coming months, Reutersreports. According to the agency, US and Ukrainian negotiators discussed the option of concluding an agreement as early as March, but this deadline may be postponed due to the lack of agreement on the territorial issue.
According to the framework, any agreement is planned to be submitted to Ukrainian voters for approval at the same time as national elections. Ukrainian electoral authorities note that under current conditions, preparations for the vote could take about six months, while Kyiv insists on a ceasefire and security guarantees from the US and partners before any political processes.
Zelensky: Russia wants the US to recognize Crimea as Russian
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, that Russia is trying to persuade the US to recognize Crimea as Russian, while realizing that Ukraine will not do so. “I believe that most likely Russia is sending a signal to America - recognize Crimea. Understanding that Ukraine will not recognize it,” he said during a conversation with journalists.
The head of state stressed that the end of the war should be dignified and not create new risks by encouraging the aggressor. “We are simply saying that if someone wants to resolve issues that contradict the Constitution of Ukraine or Ukrainian legislation about us, then Ukraine will not support such agreements,” Zelensky stressed.
The president also also reported, that the package of documents on the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine is planned as a trilateral one – with the participation of Ukraine, the United States and Europe. “Most likely, it will be a trilateral package of Europe, the United States and Ukraine… All three of us will sign this,” he said, explaining that a single document should replace several parallel reconstruction plans.
Axios: White House plans first meeting of Trump’s Peace Council
The White House plans to hold the first meeting of Trump’s Peace Council, at which leaders will discuss the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, Axioseports. According to an American official, the meeting should also become a fundraising conference and a platform for promoting the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
Preparations for the summit are at an early stage, and plans may change. The administration is already sending invitations to dozens of countries, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also considering attending the meeting, which could be his first public meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders since the Gaza war.
The US has urged China and Russia to sign a new trilateral nuclear arms control treaty
The US has urged China and Russia to sign a new trilateral nuclear arms control treaty after the end of the STO-3. In a stated US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that previous bilateral models no longer meet the realities of the situation, given the buildup of Beijing's and Moscow's nuclear arsenals.
Rubio stressed that China has significantly increased the number of warheads and could exceed a thousand in the coming years. He stated that the US will not agree to agreements that undermine its security and will negotiate from a position of strength, while maintaining a modernized nuclear deterrent.
The US approved the sale of spare parts for military equipment to Ukraine for $185 million
The US State Department has approved the sale of spare parts and materials for the repair and maintenance of military equipment to Ukraine for about $185 million. The Defense Cooperation Agency noted,that this is support for equipment and weapons previously provided by the US Army, as well as logistical and software elements.
The agency emphasized that this step corresponds to the foreign policy and security interests of the US. The spare parts, according to the agency, should increase the operational readiness of the equipment, improve logistics and reduce the financial burden due to a faster and more sustainable repair cycle.
Photo: Kevin Dietsch
Author: Danylo Pievchev