Moscow has repeatedly said it remains open to a negotiated settlement but has maintained that any peace agreement must address what it describes as the “root causes” of the conflict
By Moses Okorie
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has disclosed that Kyiv has presented the United States with proposals aimed at paving the way for an end to the war with Russia.
Zelenskyy made the disclosure in his nightly video address on Wednesday, saying Ukrainian officials had handed their proposals to US negotiators expected to engage with both sides in the coming weeks.
“We have conveyed our proposals to the American side,” the Ukrainian president said, without providing details of the plan.
He said Washington could also contribute to strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities as diplomatic efforts continue.
The development comes amid a slowdown in negotiations to end the conflict, with Kyiv continuing to call for a ceasefire after almost four and a half years of war.
Zelenskyy further raised concerns that Russia could exploit next month’s parliamentary elections as a justification for ordering another wave of military mobilisation.
US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were last in Moscow in January as part of Washington’s diplomatic engagement with Russia. They have, however, yet to visit Kyiv as part of the latest round of discussions.
Moscow has repeatedly said it remains open to a negotiated settlement but has maintained that any peace agreement must address what it describes as the “root causes” of the conflict.
Russia is also demanding that Ukraine withdraw completely from four regions claimed by Moscow, a condition Kyiv has rejected.
With the two sides still divided over key territorial and security issues, the latest proposals submitted by Kyiv could provide another opportunity for Washington to explore a possible pathway towards a ceasefire and eventual peace agreement.