Russia Rejects U.S.-Backed Proposal for Ending War

On Thursday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry dismissed a recent proposal backed by the U.S. aimed at bringing an end to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This rejection poses a challenge to President Trump’s peace initiative.

The ministry, in a succinct statement, criticized the U.S. and European plans intended to stabilize Ukraine, describing the protection plan as a “true axis of war.”

“The document is evidently not a peace agreement. It does not aim for lasting peace or security but rather promotes continued militarization and escalation of the conflict,” the ministry asserted.

Key to the proposal is the establishment of a “multinational force” in Ukraine, which could be coordinated to help “reconstruct” the Ukrainian military and provide “deterrence” once hostilities have ceased.

This criticism followed the signing of a five-point agreement by Trump’s peace envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner with European leaders in Paris, intended to bolster Ukraine’s security should conditions permit an end to nearly four years of Russian aggression.

The agreement offers “significant long-term military support” to Ukraine, outlines the formation of a “European-led” multinational peacekeeping force, and establishes additional military aid and sanctions in response to potential future Russian assaults, as well as “mutually beneficial defense cooperation with Ukraine.”

Should Ukraine’s call for an extra five-point security plan be turned down, the core 20-point peace plan to end hostilities could face serious risks.

Moreover, Russia has also rejected the continuation of President Trump’s Priority Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, which involves allowing Europe to purchase and supply U.S. weapons to Ukraine to counter future threats from Russia.

“The agreement also suggests further integration of the arms manufacturing sectors between Ukraine and NATO,” noted the ministry.

This dismissal represents a setback for President Trump’s objectives to create a post-conflict security framework intended to safeguard Ukraine with NATO-like protections. Although the proposal was framed to exclude Ukraine from NATO membership, the Kremlin argues it essentially reinforces Western influence while leaving Russia vulnerable.

“This so-called coalition and the Kyiv regime’s renewed military declarations form a genuine axis of war,” stated the ministry. “The intentions of its members are becoming more perilous and destructive for the future of Europe and its people, forcing them to bear the costs of such ambitions themselves.”

The ministry further criticized the recent U.S. seizure of a vessel, the oil tanker Bela 1 (renamed Marinera under Russian ownership), claiming it violates the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and poses a threat to maritime freedom.

“Forcing actions against civilian ships on the high seas can only be seen as a grave breach of fundamental norms,” the Foreign Ministry declared. “…this constitutes a serious violation of the vessel owner’s legitimate rights and interests.”

They raised concerns that Trump’s order could spark a significant international crisis and undermine global maritime standards.

However, the U.S. does not recognize itself as bound by the U.N. treaty and insists it was justified in seizing the ship due to violations of its blockade of Venezuelan oil ports.