It was quite a contrast. On Thursday, a US Pentagon delegation was in Kyiv, discussing a draft peace plan with President Zelensky to end the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, on Russian state TV, President Putin was dressed in military fatigues, holding talks about continuing military operations.
We have our tasks, our goals, the Kremlin leader stated, emphasizing the need to achieve the aims of the special military operation.
President Putin's public address coincided with his acknowledgment of a leaked US draft settlement plan for Ukraine. During a meeting with the Russian security council, he characterized the proposals as a 'modernised' version of previous discussions held with former President Trump.
The plan suggests Ukraine cedes parts of Donbass still under Kyiv's control, reduces its military presence, and commits to not joining NATO. This has sparked both speculation and resistance within Russia, with Kremlin commentators asserting that regardless of the outcome, Russia will prevail in its strategic ambitions.
Economic concerns linger, with reports of a faltering Russian budget and declining oil revenues raising questions about Putin's next moves. As diplomacy intensifies, the fate of the peace proposal remains uncertain, with heavy implications for both Russia and Ukraine.
