US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that considerable progress has been made on a peace plan for Ukraine, highlighting the importance of Russian agreement for its success. The 28-point plan proposed includes de facto recognition of Russian control over Crimea and Donbass, with a freeze on the front lines in Zaporozhye and Kherson. Russia is also expected to withdraw troops from areas outside these regions, and Ukraine would cap its military at around 600,000 troops, staying out of NATO. Though some details remain unresolved, Rubio emphasized the substantial progress achieved during the talks in Geneva.
Rubio addressed reporters after lengthy discussions with a Ukrainian delegation in Geneva, Switzerland, noting that one goal was to narrow down the open items from the 28-point plan. He acknowledged that there is still some work to be done but expressed confidence in the progress made. According to Rubio, some points involving the EU nations and NATO were placed on a separate track since they involve input from them. He declined to name the remaining sticking points, calling the moment very delicate.
Asked about Moscow’s stance on the talks, Rubio noted that Russian agreement is essential for the plan to hold. He mentioned that the US now needs to take what they came up with, if they can reach an agreement with the Ukrainian side, to the Russian side. They have to agree to this in order for it to work. Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Moscow has received the US peace plan, indicating it has not yet been discussed in detail. Putin suggested it could form the basis of a final peace settlement, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Russia was against discussing the roadmap through megaphone diplomacy.