On November 27, Russia affirmed that it would not accept any major transfer to the peace plan for Ukraine, in the context of leaks from the call between US delegate Steve Witkoff and President Vladimir Putin's advisor that sparked much criticism.
The statement came as Witkoff was scheduled to travel to Moscow to discuss the possibility of ending the nearly four-year conflict, the bloodiest in Europe since World War II.
Ukraine, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, said it was ready to promote a US-backed framework and wished to discuss controversial points in talks involving its European allies.
However, Kiev and many European countries have expressed concern after the disclosure of details that the plan tends to side with Russia's key demands, from blocking the path to NATO to recognizing Russia's control over Ukraine's territory and limiting the size of the Ukrainian army.
Washington's stance has also fluctuated strongly in recent times, especially after the summit in Alaska between President Donald Trump and Mr. Putin. Although the meeting raised fears that the US could accept Russia's request, the results led to greater pressure on Moscow.
However, the latest peace proposal has surprised many US and European officials, and has sparked strong debate within the Republican Party. Many lawmakers said that Witkoff's call to Russian official Yuri Ushakov showed Russia's inappropriate influence on the plan.
Mr. Trump still affirmed that the process is getting results and said that Russia has shown signs of being a concession. However, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said he would not accept any abandonment or adjustment to Russia's core viewpoints. Moscow has also criticized the leak of the call recording as an act of intervention to sabotage peace efforts.
Meanwhile, Kremlin news said Witkoff's visit to Moscow had been agreed, and that Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, would also join the discussion. However, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the present time is too early to mention a peace deal.
