US to submit proposal to Putin for recognition of Crimea and Donbas as Russian territories

The United States is reportedly considering recognising Russian control over Crimea and other occupied Ukrainian territories as part of a peace plan proposed by Donald Trump, the Telegraph reports.

His emissaries Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff were to convey the offer directly to Vladimir Putin. Despite concerns from European allies, the plan is set to go ahead.

The revised 19-point proposal agreed at the Geneva talks is less favourable to Moscow, but de facto recognition of Crimea and parts of the Donbas is said to remain on the table. Kiev insists, however, that territorial concessions are not possible without a nationwide referendum.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy refuses to give up any territory. European states continue to insist on the principle that borders must not be changed by force.

Washington's offer of recognition would therefore mark a major turning point in US diplomacy and raise tensions between the allies.

(mja)