Hopes for a swift end to the war in Ukraine have hit a significant roadblock. A senior Russian diplomat has firmly ruled out making any major concessions on a U.S.-backed peace plan. This declaration comes amid intense controversy over a leaked recording that revealed American envoy Steve Witkoff advising Moscow on how to present its case to the White House, causing alarm among U.S. allies and lawmakers.
What is Russia’s Official Stance on the Peace Plan?
Even though the Trump administration’s diplomatic efforts are welcomed, Moscow remains firm. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov made it clear there will be no giving up of Russia’s key positions. This shows that Moscow is not planning major compromises. The statement highlights growing worries that the proposed peace plan may heavily favor Russia, causing concern for Ukraine and its European allies.
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Why is the Leaked Witkoff Call Causing an Uproar?
The diplomatic landscape was shaken by the leak of a transcript from a call between envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov. According to reports from Bloomberg News, Witkoff was heard coaching Ushakov on the most effective way to pitch a peace plan to President Trump. The revelation has drawn strong criticism, even from Trump’s own Republican party. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick called the leak a “major problem,” and Senator Mitch McConnell warned that any deal rewarding Russian aggression would be meaningless.
How is Ukraine Reacting to the Proposed Framework?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed a willingness to discuss the U.S.-backed framework. Kyiv and its European allies are concerned about the plan’s details. Leaks suggest it may meet several major Russian demands, including banning Ukraine from NATO, formally recognizing Russian control over a fifth of its territory, and limiting Ukraine’s military. For a country resisting what it sees as imperial aggression, these terms could be seen as surrendering sovereignty.
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What Happens Next in the Diplomatic Process?
The path to peace appears increasingly complex. Envoy Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow next week for high-level talks, and Jared Kushner may also be involved. However, the Kremlin has poured cold water on immediate expectations, with a spokesman saying it is “premature” to talk of a deal. The leaked call has also angered Moscow, which called it an unacceptable act of “hybrid warfare” aimed at undermining negotiations. Since Russia has ruled out compromises and the U.S. approach is being closely questioned, the peace plan already faces major challenges before negotiations begin.
