Post by : Rameen Ariff

The United States is heightening its efforts to persuade Ukraine to accept a new framework aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict with Russia. Insiders have indicated that Washington has cautioned Kyiv that a reduction in intelligence sharing and military supplies could be imminent if Ukraine does not advance with the proposed agreement.

Latest Developments

In Kyiv, a delegation of senior US military personnel engaged with President Volodymyr Zelensky amidst escalating tensions, pressing Ukraine to finalize the peace deal by next Thursday.

The suggested arrangement encompasses a comprehensive 28-point plan laid out by Washington, which aligns with several demands from Russia — requiring Ukraine to relinquish additional territory, scale down its military, and abstain from NATO membership.

Intensifying Pressure on Ukraine

Reports suggest that this represents the most formidable pressure the US has placed on Ukraine in peace negotiation history. Officials insist on the urgent need for an end to hostilities, indicating that Ukraine might have to endure significant concessions.

Kyiv is being urged to endorse the framework imminently, with US representatives labeling the timeline as "aggressive."

Contents of the Proposal

The American proposal reportedly requires Ukraine to:

• Surrender further disputed territories to Russia

• Restrict the scale of its military forces

• Pledge against NATO membership

• Agree to new security arrangements with the US

In exchange, Ukraine would receive assurances for long-term security and ongoing global support.

Reactions from Kyiv

During discussions with the American delegation, President Zelensky expressed his concerns about being coerced into accepting conditions that could jeopardize Ukraine's future security. While some US officials deemed the meeting a success, apprehension looms in Ukraine regarding the ramifications of not aligning with these conditions.

The message from Washington has been unmistakable: should Ukraine fail to agree promptly, its access to US intelligence and military support may dwindle.

Impending Challenges

Time is of the essence for Ukraine. Acceptance of the plan could pave the way to an eventual negotiated resolution to the conflict. Conversely, refusal risks severing relations with its vital military and intelligence ally.

#Global