War in Ukraine: Russia voices doubts about US peace initiative

Russia's stance on the US plan

While President Vladimir Putin recently stated he was open to negotiations over the conflict in Ukraine, several Russian officials have expressed skepticism about revisions to the US-backed peace plan. They criticized the adjustments introduced by Kyiv and its European partners, arguing that these changes undermine Moscow’s interests and security concerns.

Moscow’s concerns

According to diplomatic sources, Russian representatives believe the proposed plan prioritizes Ukraine’s demands over a balanced resolution. Their main objection lies in political and territorial clauses that they claim fail to reflect the current situation on the ground. The Kremlin insists that any framework for peace must guarantee Russia’s strategic influence and address what it calls “legitimate security needs.”

Western reaction

European and American diplomats maintain that the updated plan aims to create conditions for a stable ceasefire while preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They continue to encourage Russia to engage in meaningful dialogue, emphasizing that further escalation would only deepen the humanitarian crisis.

"We welcome any statement of willingness to talk, but dialogue must start from respect for international law," commented one Western official.

Summary

Moscow appears reluctant to endorse a peace proposal modified by Ukraine and its allies, viewing the changes as unfavorable and inconsistent with Russia’s stated security objectives.


Author’s summary: Russia remains cautious toward the Western-backed peace plan for Ukraine, criticizing revisions by Kyiv and its allies as dismissive of its strategic interests.

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Le Monde.fr Le Monde.fr — 2025-11-27

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