Washington, DC – A source familiar with the matter said the latest version of the US proposal for resolving the conflict in Ukraine is now “more favorable” to Kyiv’s demands. This came after substantial amendments made by the United States and its European partners in recent days.
The source, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, explained that the new draft grants Ukraine the right to maintain a large military force. The army’s strength is set at 800,000 soldiers, up from the initial draft which specified only around 600,000.
He indicated that some sensitive issues, most notably the territorial dispute, might be deferred to negotiations between the two presidents. This comes as meetings intensified in Geneva last Sunday between Ukrainian, American, and European delegations to review US President Donald Trump’s plan, which Moscow had previously welcomed.
The plan includes provisions allowing for the transfer of Ukrainian territories under Russian control, which Kyiv has described as an “unacceptable concession.” This concession is considered tantamount to surrender.
Despite this, Trump asserted on Tuesday that Washington was “very close” to reaching an agreement that could end the nearly four-year-long war. This statement came amidst intense diplomatic activity in several capitals in recent days.
Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and a Russian delegation are holding talks to explore the possibility of reaching a final agreement. His spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Tolbert, said the discussions are “progressing positively.”
The same source also reported that the US side is presenting the Russians with the general framework currently under development. In contrast, the Kremlin on Monday deemed the European alternative to the 28-point US plan “unconstructive.” The Kremlin maintains that the plan does not meet Moscow’s conditions.
On the ground, Kyiv witnessed Russian shelling overnight that killed at least seven people, according to local authorities.
