TL/DR –
Lawmakers critical of Donald Trump’s peace plan for the Russia-Ukraine war have reportedly been told by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that it is a “wish list” of the Russians. Rubio disputed these claims, asserting that the US was responsible for the proposal, which many critics argue is inordinately favorable to Russia. The lawmakers, who are veteran legislators with a focus on foreign relations, interpret the proposal as potentially rewarding Moscow for its aggression and are concerned about the message it would send to other leaders who have threatened their neighbors.
Halifax lawmakers criticize Trump’s Russia-Ukraine peace plan
In Halifax, Nova Scotia, lawmakers against President Trump’s strategy to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict expressed their concerns on Saturday. They claim Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the proposed peace plan as a Russian “wish list” rather than reflecting Washington’s standpoint.
The State Department spokesperson countered these claims, labeling them as “blatantly false.”
Rubio reinforced the assertion that Washington’s proposal, which leans towards Moscow’s interest, was indeed responsible. This move sparked confusion and potentially embarrassment for the Trump administration’s endorsed peace plan.
The controversial 28-point U.S-backed peace plan was developed by Rubio and Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, including inputs from Ukrainians and Russians. It cedes significant territories to Russia, a move Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy has repeatedly rejected. Trump plans for Ukraine’s acceptance of the proposal by next week.
Senator Mike Rounds stated at a security conference in Canada that the administration was not responsible for the plan’s current form and it is intended to serve as a negotiation starting point.
The senators inferred from their conversation with Rubio, who was enroute to Geneva for plan discussions, that the plan resembled a “Russian wish list” more than a US administration proposal.
Rubio clarified on social media that the plan was a product of U.S authorship and it aimed to provide a robust framework for ongoing negotiations, with inputs from both Russian and Ukrainian sides.
Tommy Pigott, a State Department spokesperson, echoed the previous denial, stating the senators’ claims were false.
The senators argued that the plan would only reward Moscow’s aggression, providing no moral, legal, or political justification for Russia’s claims over eastern Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin endorsed the proposal on Friday, considering it a potential foundation for a final peace settlement if agreed upon by Ukraine and its European allies.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy did not outrightly reject the plan, but stressed on equitable treatment and committed to work peacefully with Washington and other allies in these challenging times.
The strained relationship between the U.S and Canada was a highlight at this year’s Halifax International Security Forum, mainly due to Trump’s trade war and insistence on Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state. This has led many Canadians to avoid U.S travel, resulting in a noticeable decline in tourism.
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