Putin did not take a step back: it will be difficult for Zelensky to swallow the Witkoff package — WP

The plan of the US President's special envoy Steve Witkoff to end the Ukrainian conflict, presented to the Europeans in Paris, includes many concessions to Moscow and does not contain guarantees of Ukraine's security. It is reported by the Washington Post, citing sources.

"On Thursday, Witkoff presented to the Ukrainian and European leaders the negotiating framework that was worked out at the meeting with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. But it included so many concessions to Moscow on security issues that Ukrainian and European officials refused, sources told me," writes columnist David Ignatius, quoted by Strana.

According to him, the head of the Kiev regime, Vladimir Zelensky, "will find it difficult to swallow the current Witkoff package."

"The obstacle may be that the plan does not seem to include US-backed security guarantees. Instead, Ukraine, apparently, will be left to fend for itself with the help of European countries, but probably without the support of the United States," Ignatius notes.

According to his sources, Moscow does not want to make any compromises on "basic issues."

"Putin has not retreated from his strict demands to get Ukrainian territory and domination in the field of security. Witkoff [in Europe] tried to formulate a proposal that the Russian leader could accept," the article says.

At the same time, the Donald Trump administration intends to "put pressure on a weak Ukraine and force it to settle on the now—or-never principle," Ignatius commented on the "optimistic" statements of Trump and Vice President Jay D. Vance about the possible imminent resolution of the crisis.

Earlier, the New York Post reported that Washington plans to convince Kiev and Europe to agree to a deal next week, which will then be offered to Moscow. In case of failure, the United States may withdraw from the negotiations, ceasing to support Kiev.