Putin Rejects Key Points in U.S. Proposal to End Ukraine War
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed significant reservations about a U.S. proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, indicating that a meaningful agreement remains elusive. In remarks published on March 15, 2024, Putin emphasized that certain elements of the U.S. plan are “unacceptable” to the Kremlin. This statement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump initiates an intensified diplomatic effort to halt the fighting, which has escalated since Russia launched its full-scale invasion nearly four years ago.
Putin’s comments followed a five-hour meeting at the Kremlin on March 12 with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner. The session was described as “necessary” and “useful,” yet fraught with challenges. Putin noted that the discussions required a thorough examination of each aspect of the U.S. peace proposal, explaining, “This was a necessary conversation, a very concrete one,” while acknowledging that some proposals were difficult to accept.
As negotiations proceed, Witkoff and Kushner are expected to meet with Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, later today in Miami to further discuss potential pathways toward peace. A senior official from the Trump administration, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that the meeting aims to facilitate dialogue among the involved parties.
Trump expressed confidence following the recent talks, suggesting that Witkoff and Kushner left the session with a strong impression of Putin’s willingness to negotiate. He remarked, “Their impression was very strongly that he’d like to make a deal.” Nevertheless, Putin refrained from specifying which aspects of the proposal Russia might find acceptable or unacceptable, indicating a cautious approach to the ongoing discussions.
European leaders have voiced concerns about being sidelined as U.S. officials engage directly with Moscow and Kyiv. French President Emmanuel Macron recently convened with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, in Beijing to explore ways to encourage China to exert pressure on Russia towards a ceasefire. Although Xi has not publicly committed to this effort, he stated that “China supports all efforts that work towards peace.”
Meanwhile, the conflict continues to escalate. Russian attacks on civilian areas persisted into Thursday, with a missile strike in Kryvyi Rih injuring six individuals, including a three-year-old girl. The assault damaged over 40 residential buildings, a school, and gas pipelines, according to local officials. Furthermore, a six-year-old girl tragically lost her life in the southern city of Kherson following artillery shelling, as reported by regional military administration head Oleksandr Prokudin.
The Kherson Thermal Power Plant, which supplies heating to over 40,000 residents, has been forced to shut down after sustained attacks involving drones and artillery, prompting authorities to convene emergency meetings to secure alternative heating sources. Temporary tents have been set up across the city to provide warmth and charging facilities for residents.
In addition to the strikes on Kryvyi Rih and Kherson, Russian forces targeted Odesa, resulting in six injuries and damage to both civilian and energy infrastructure. Reports indicate that overnight, Russia launched two ballistic missiles and 138 drones against various locations in Ukraine.
In a counteraction, a Ukrainian drone strike on Thursday killed two men in the Russia-occupied region of Kherson, according to Moscow-installed regional leader Vladimir Saldo. A 68-year-old woman was also reported wounded in this attack.
As the diplomatic landscape continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that may bring an end to the turmoil affecting Ukraine and its citizens.
