Proposal sought for a European Union directive concerning regulatory measures in the specified field.
Breaking: Lavrov Sets Straight Russia's Stance on Ukraine Peace
In a recent development, US President Donald Trump has urged Russian leader Vladimir Putin to sign a peace accord in the Ukraine conflict. Trump said, "I want him to halt the firefights, take a seat, and ink a deal." As per Trump's analysis, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky might potentially forfeit the Crimean Peninsula, marking a breach of a long-standing taboo.
- What Trump Expects from Putin
- Trump: Zelensky's Concessions
Moscow's Position
Following Trump's proposal, Moscow has made its stance clear. They will engage in sustained negotiations only if the occupied territories—Crimea, Donetsk People's Republic, Luhansk People's Republic, Kherson region, and Zaporizhzhia region—are internationally recognized as Russian.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated this on Monday, stressing the need for lasting recognition of these territories before any meaningful dialogue can commence. It's worth noting that Putin's forces have yet to fully capture these regions, with some areas still under Ukrainian control.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had earlier signaled readiness for dialogue with Ukraine sans preconditions.
Zelensky's Allegations against Moscow
Zelensky continues to accuse Russia of underhanded tactics in an effort to clinch a truce. "Russia talks a big game about their supposed readiness to accept American proposals, yet there's no evidence of Russian troops preparing for an actual ceasefire," Zelensky claimed in his nightly video address. Since Easter, Russia has resumed its attacks.
Zelensky asserted that every prolonged day of armed conflict signifies that Russia is likely deceiving the international community, misleading the U.S., and protracting the war. Since preliminary peace talks in Jeddah on March 11, Russia has deployed nearly 8,500 bombs, 200 types of rockets, and over 3,000 kamikaze drones against Ukraine. "This military activity must cease, Russia must desist from these attacks—unconditionally," Zelensky insisted.
Zelensky reiterated his demand to maintain pressure on Russia. International tension alone can compel the Russians to adopt all necessary measures to cease conflict, with the U.S. playing a crucial role.
Ukraine's Willingness for Unconditional Truce
On the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral in Rome, Zelensky held individual discussions with Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Following these meetings, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's readiness for an unconditional ceasefire. Now, it falls upon Russia to reciprocate this gesture.
On a related note, recent proposals for peace agreements in the Ukraine conflict include varying demands and concessions. Key points of consideration include the recognition of territories and potential compromises:
- Terms Advocated by Donald Trump: Trump suggested U.S. recognition of Russian control over Crimea and de facto recognition of Russian occupation in parts of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, in exchange for major concessions from Ukraine. Ukrainian officials perceive this as biased towards Russia.
- Terms Outlined by Vladimir Putin: Putin has proposed conditions for a ceasefire, including the complete handover of all annexed provinces to Russia, Ukraine's neutral status, abandonment of NATO aspirations, renunciation of nuclear ambitions, respect for Russian-speakers' rights in Ukraine, lifting of sanctions, and the "demilitarization and denazification" of Ukraine.
- Ukraine's Position: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists on the return of Crimea and the Donbas region before any peace deal can be signed. Ukraine has agreed to an unconditional ceasefire, but Russia has not responded in kind.
- China and Brazil's Proposal: This includes a call for an international peace conference with equal representation from all parties to discuss peace plans.
- General Obstacles: Any peace accord must address deep divisions between the parties. Russia's invasion has led to substantial territorial disputes and Ukrainian hesitancy to cede territory or accept long-term neutrality without assurances.
- Putin is expected by Trump to agree to a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, with Trump suggesting Zelensky might forfeit the Crimean Peninsula as part of the peace accord.
- Moscow has made it clear that any negotiations for peace will only occur if the internationally recognized territories (Crimea, Donetsk People's Republic, Luhansk People's Republic, Kherson region, and Zaporizhzhia region) are acknowledged as Russian.
- Zelensky alleges that Russia is using underhanded tactics to secure a truce, despite claims of readiness for dialogue without preconditions. He insists on an unconditional ceasefire from Russia and maintains the demand for pressure to be kept on Moscow.
- Following discussions with world leaders on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's readiness for an unconditional ceasefire, with the onus now on Russia to reciprocate this gesture. Various peace agreement proposals are in circulation, with differing demands and concessions.
