Trump Supports Witkoff Amid Leak of Ukraine Deal Advice to Putin Aide
Former President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to establish a comprehensive peace proposal regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He suggested creating a 20-point plan, mirroring his previous Gaza initiative, to facilitate dialogue and negotiations.
Trump’s Focus on Ending the Ukraine Conflict
Trump’s primary aim is to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, as confirmed by White House officials. They noted that he is open to various solutions without firm red lines defining the outcome.
Controversy Surrounding Witkoff
Recent developments involve Richard Witkoff, who has drawn criticism from Kyiv’s European allies. Multiple diplomats claim he has been promoting Kremlin viewpoints following meetings with high-ranking Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin.
Ongoing Peace Talks and Plans
The search for peace continues amidst ongoing Russian bombardments in Ukraine, which have persisted for nearly four years. Current discussions involve representatives from Ukraine, Europe, the United States, and Russia, taking place in locations such as Switzerland, Angola, and the United Arab Emirates.
A notable source of tension is a 28-point peace proposal devised by Witkoff and Russian official Dmitriev. Many Ukrainian allies reacted negatively to this plan due to its perceived advantages for Russia, particularly in terms of territorial concessions and military limitations on Ukraine.
Counteractions by Allies
- U.S. officials quickly sought to draft a counterproposal.
- Dan Driscoll, the U.S. Army secretary, engaged with a Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi to unveil a revised 19-point plan.
- This adaptation aimed to remove elements that heavily favored Russia.
Conversations Between Russian Officials
Full transcripts have emerged from discussions on October 29 between Ushakov and Dmitriev, illustrating their strategy in guiding the U.S. towards a peace deal more favorable to Russia. Ushakov emphasized the need for maximum concessions, pondering the purpose of any agreement that does not favor their side.
Dmitriev appeared to suggest a more informal approach, indicating a willingness to relay their perspective while acknowledging that a final agreement might not mirror their proposal precisely.
As these negotiations continue, the landscape remains complex, with significant geopolitical implications for Ukraine and its allies in the region.
