The Ukrainian government has criticized a peace proposal developed by Washington, labeling it a “failed plan”. According to Ukraine, a mere cease-fire and the proposition for elections are insufficient to deter Russia’s leader, Vladimir Putin.
Keith Kellogg, the special envoy for Ukraine and Russia under US President Donald Trump, cautioned on February 2 that both parties must be prepared to make compromises to achieve any peace agreement. He mentioned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated a willingness to soften his stance on territorial issues, and he expects Putin to reciprocate.
In an interview with Reuters, Kellogg expressed Washington’s desire for Ukraine to conduct elections, possibly by the end of the year, particularly if a truce to halt the ongoing conflict is achieved.
However, Dmytro Lytvyn, an aide to Zelenskyy, suggested on February 2 that they hadn’t fully seen Mr. Kellogg’s complete interview and hence it was challenging to fully understand his stance. He added that if Kellogg’s plan only includes a cease-fire and elections, it would be inadequate to intimidate Putin.
Ukraine, which has been under martial law since Russia’s invasion, hasn’t conducted elections, a move Kellogg stated is in line with the Ukrainian constitution. Putin, on the other hand, has deemed Zelenskyy’s presidency as illegitimate since his term has officially expired.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Trump alluded to promising discussions with both Ukraine and Russia on February 2. He did not provide specifics but confirmed that talks were proceeding well.
Zelenskyy has refused any agreement that would necessitate territorial concessions to Russia, which currently controls significant parts of southeastern Ukraine and the Crimean Peninsula. However, Ukraine, which is outmatched in terms of military strength by Russia, has been experiencing increased losses on the battlefield, pressuring Zelenskyy to reconsider his stance on territorial losses.
Meanwhile, Russia has also been hit hard by the conflict, with significant casualties and a crippled economy due to military spending and Western sanctions. The future of US military aid to Ukraine is uncertain, with Trump criticizing the aid provided by the previous administration.
Trump suggested on February 3 that he wants Ukraine to provide the US with rare earth minerals as a form of payment for US financial support. These minerals, including uranium, lithium, and titanium, are critical to the US economy and national defense.
While Trump has committed to ending the war promptly, he has not provided any concrete plans for achieving peace. Kellogg, on the other hand, asserted on January 31 that Trump has a solid strategy to end the war within months, although he did not provide any specifics.
Ukraine is seeking long-term security assurances, including potential Western peacekeeping forces, to prevent Russia from regrouping and launching another attack following a cease-fire. Amid this, Ukraine continues to target fuel and energy facilities within Russia, with drones sparking a fire in the Astrakhan region and causing the suspension of flights at several airports.
The conflict’s toll continues to rise, with a Russian missile strike in Poltava on February 2 leaving 14 dead, including three children, and at least 20 injured.
[With inputs from Reuters]
