U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on March 12, 2024, to discuss a draft peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting is part of a broader effort by the United States to bring an end to the nearly four-year war. However, Putin accused Ukraine’s European allies of undermining U.S.-led initiatives, describing their demands as “absolutely unacceptable.”
Joining Witkoff in the discussions was Jared Kushner, former U.S. President Donald Trump‘s son-in-law. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, the talks were set to proceed without a predetermined time limit, involving only Witkoff, Kushner, and a U.S. interpreter. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was visiting Ireland as part of a European tour aimed at garnering support against Russia’s invasion.
The draft of the peace plan, reportedly obtained by The Associated Press, suggests ceding land to Russia and imposing restrictions on the size of Ukraine’s military. Ukrainian officials, alongside their European counterparts, have been working with U.S. diplomats to modify the proposal to better fit their interests.
Ongoing Tensions and Military Developments
While the meeting was underway, Putin made threatening remarks regarding Ukrainian military actions, specifically their strikes on vessels transporting Russian oil in Turkey’s exclusive economic zone. He signaled that Russia would expand its military operations against Ukrainian ports and vessels, stating, “Moscow will consider the possibility of retaliatory measures against the vessels of countries aiding Ukraine.”
Putin also expressed criticism of Ukraine’s European allies, accusing them of lacking a genuine peace agenda. He claimed they were “blocking the entire peace process” by insisting on terms unacceptable to Russia, while simultaneously placing blame on Russia for the stalemate.
In a related assertion, Putin claimed that Russian forces had gained control of the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, a location he described as strategically significant. This claim has been disputed by Ukraine, whose General Staff characterized it as a “propaganda stunt.” They emphasized that Ukrainian military forces were preparing alternate supply routes to support troops in the region.
International Support for Ukraine
During his visit to Dublin, Zelenskyy acknowledged the seriousness of U.S. efforts to resolve the conflict. He stated, “There are now 20 points that were drafted in Geneva and finalized in Florida. Some things still have to be worked on.” He emphasized the need for a lasting peace rather than a mere cessation of hostilities, asserting that all parties must align with the goal of achieving a “decent peace.”
Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin announced €125 million ($145 million) in new support for Ukraine during Zelenskyy’s visit. This funding includes €100 million for non-lethal military assistance and €25 million to bolster Ukraine’s energy system, which has been under increasing threat from Russian attacks as winter approaches.
Martin further stated his commitment to advancing negotiations for Ukraine’s membership in the European Union, declaring, “Ukraine is part of our European family. It shares the same values. It belongs in the European Union.”
Zelenskyy’s diplomatic engagements illustrate ongoing international support for Ukraine as it navigates the complexities of the conflict and seeks a path toward peace.
