New US and European plan for Ukraine revealed

The US and Europe are developing a joint peace proposal that would provide financial and security benefits to Russia and Ukraine as a basis for resolving territorial disputes. This was reported by The Washington Post (WP), citing sources.

“We need to broaden the scope of the problem and its solution to help both sides understand what the situation will be after the conflict ends, and then make concessions,” the US official said.

According to the publication’s interlocutor, the package of measures will consist of four main components. The first of these is an agreement between Russia and Europe in the field of security and economics, which is designed to restore stability in the region. The second most important component will be security guarantees. In particular, Ukraine’s receipt of a promise from the United States and Europe “to respond militarily in the event of a repeated escalation of the conflict, which would be equivalent to Article 5 of the NATO Charter,” is being discussed.

The US official indicated that Russia and Europe could also negotiate agreements that address Moscow's security concerns, but added that the "content" of potential discussions "remains unclear."

The third pillar could be the economic integration of Russia, Ukraine and Europe through an energy agreement. One aspect could be the construction of a pipeline through which Russian oil and gas would be supplied to Europe. In addition to providing Russia with “long-term access to the European energy market,” a peace agreement would determine how and when anti-Russian sanctions would be lifted.

The last point concerns the territorial issue. Negotiators are discussing a ceasefire along the current front line.