What's happened
The U.S. and Ukraine are working to narrow gaps in a peace plan criticized as pro-Russian, while European leaders counter with demands emphasizing Ukraine’s territorial integrity and NATO ambitions. Leaked calls reveal U.S. envoy Witkoff advising Russia, sparking international concern and diplomatic tensions amid ongoing Ukraine conflict.
What's behind the headline?
The recent leaks of U.S. diplomatic communications reveal a significant shift in the Ukraine peace process. Witkoff's direct advice to Russian officials, including a leaked call with Ushakov, underscores the blurred lines between diplomacy and covert negotiations. This raises questions about the U.S. commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, especially as the plan appears to favor Russian demands such as territorial concessions and limits on NATO membership.
The involvement of Dmitriev, a sanctioned Russian financier with close ties to Putin, further complicates the diplomatic landscape. His meetings with U.S. officials, despite sanctions, suggest a covert channel that could undermine official policy and erode trust among allies.
European and Ukrainian officials' concerns about the plan's details—particularly its potential to reward aggression—highlight the risk of diplomatic capitulation. The rapid dispatch of U.S. military officials to Kyiv indicates a possible shift towards a negotiated settlement that may not align with Ukraine’s security interests.
This situation signals a broader strategic dilemma: whether the U.S. will prioritize a quick end to the conflict at the expense of Ukraine’s territorial integrity or uphold its commitments to NATO and Ukraine’s sovereignty. The next few weeks will be critical in determining if diplomacy will succeed or if the conflict will escalate further.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that U.S. and Ukrainian officials are concerned about the leaked calls and the implications of Witkoff's meetings with Russian officials, emphasizing the risk of undermining Ukraine's position. SBS highlights Russia's firm stance that no concessions will be made, with Russian officials dismissing the leaked call as hybrid warfare. Politico details the internal U.S. debates over the peace plan, noting the dispatch of military officials to Kyiv and the skepticism among European allies about the plan's fairness. The Japan Times provides context on Dmitriev's background and his role in the negotiations, illustrating the complex web of diplomacy behind the scenes. These contrasting perspectives underscore the tension between diplomatic efforts and geopolitical interests, with some sources warning of the risks of covert negotiations and others emphasizing Russia's intransigence.
How we got here
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, initiated by Russia's invasion in 2022, has led to international efforts to broker peace. The U.S. has proposed a plan criticized for favoring Russia, while European allies emphasize Ukraine’s sovereignty. Key figures like Dmitriev and Witkoff have engaged in behind-the-scenes diplomacy, despite sanctions and diplomatic tensions, reflecting complex geopolitical interests.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Steven Charles Witkoff is an American real estate investor and landlord based in New York City, and founder of the Witkoff Group.
-
Kirill A. Dmitriev is the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, a $10 billion sovereign wealth fund created by the Russian government to co-invest in the Russian economy alongside the sovereign wealth funds of other countries.
-
Jared Corey Kushner is an American investor, real-estate developer, and newspaper publisher who is currently senior advisor to his father-in-law, Donald Trump, the President of the United States.
-
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
-
Andriy Borisovich Yermak is a Ukrainian film producer, lawyer and current Head of the Presidential Administration. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed him on 11 February 2020.
-
Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
-
Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Florida. A Republican, Rubio previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
-
Yuri Viktorovich Ushakov is a Russian and former Soviet diplomat who served as the Ambassador of Russia to the United States from 1998 until 2008. Since 2012, he has been an advisor to the President of Russia on foreign policy issues.