The United States is prepared to propose that Europe recognize Crimea as Russian as part of a peace agreement for Ukraine
The United States is ready to propose that Europe recognize Crimea as Russian when officials meet on Wednesday in London to discuss a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, the Russian agency TASS reported today, citing The Washington Post and its sources.
According to the report, the proposal will be part of a possible peace agreement, and Washington will also suggest freezing the current front line.
The newspaper states that the U.S. presented its proposals to Ukraine last week in Paris. These include Washington formally recognizing Crimea as Russian territory and eventually lifting sanctions on Russia under a future agreement. In return, Moscow would end hostilities in Ukraine at a time when the Russian military has momentum on the battlefield and significant advantages, TASS reports.
The Ukrainian delegation interpreted the proposal as “Washington’s final offer before considering withdrawing from the peace process,” TASS cites The Washington Post as reporting.
French, British, and German negotiators are expected to insist that any agreement include “security guarantees and post-war reconstruction programs, possibly partially funded by frozen Russian assets,” the newspaper notes.
European and Ukrainian officials have privately acknowledged that it is unlikely Kyiv will regain control of the Russian-held territories anytime soon, the report states.
According to Bloomberg, Washington presented preliminary proposals for a Ukrainian solution to its allies during a meeting between the Kyiv delegation and representatives of Western countries in Paris on April 17. These include abandoning talks on Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and easing sanctions on Russia.
The proposals also foresee Russia retaining control over all territories it currently controls.
