U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow to discuss the latest version of the peace plan for Ukraine with the Russian side, including Vladimir Putin. Prior to this, the Ukrainian delegation held talks with the United States, after which Kyiv’s proposals were taken into account.
Meanwhile, in the U.S. Donald Trump made new statements about Ukraine with old narratives behind them.
Russian Position
The meeting once more highlighted a serious gap between the idea of fair peace and Russia’s position. Moscow refuses to change several demands that remain completely unacceptable for Ukraine and the EU. Russia insists on having the entire Donetsk Region, wants limits on the size of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and demands recognition of newly occupied Ukrainian regions as Russian territory. This is precisely what Ukraine and its partners will never do.
Putin also escalated threats toward Ukraine over attacks on tankers, even though Russia does not recognize them, as they belong to the shadow fleet. According to Putin, Russia is ready to expand its strikes on Ukraine’s maritime infrastructure and even impose a naval blockade.
Throughout November, the U.S. promoted an updated peace plan to end the Russian-Ukrainian war. Negotiations in Geneva reduced the document from 28 to approximately 19 points. Reuters reported that the Kremlin received several unofficial versions of the plan but insists that no one formally submitted it. This statement distorts reality because Russian representative Kirill Dmitriev helped develop the document. Russia refused to adjust any of its demands and ignored proposed changes.
Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha once again underlined clear indicators showing that Russia has no intention of stopping the war:
Updates from Trump
Trump repeated claims that the U.S. will no longer provide assistance to Ukraine.
The U.S. is no longer financially involved in the war between Ukraine and Russia, he said.
Trump stated that 27,000 people died in the war over the previous month, mostly young soldiers. He added that although Ukrainian air defenses shot down some missiles over Kyiv and other regions, these losses still represent, in his view, a disgrace. He did not provide any source for this number, as usual.
Furthermore, he again repeated accusations on Biden, claiming that he gave “cash” to Ukraine.
Conclusion
Another attempt to negotiate with Russia is held in vain. Moscow still aims to continue the war and fully undermine Ukrainian sovereignty. Russia plans to spend almost half of its entire state budget on the war next year and calls this spending “security.”
Ukraine’s partners now face a difficult decision. Real peace requires stronger support for Ukraine without relying on the United States, even under strong political pressure. Radio Liberty reports that NATO has a “Plan B” if peace efforts collapse. Most likely, this plan will soon become the Plan “A” one.
