FT: Putin proposed to stop the invasion of Ukraine along the current front line.

According to the Financial Times, Russia is ready to abandon claims on the territory of four partially occupied Ukrainian regions that remain under Kyiv's control. At the same time, the United States is considering recognizing Russia's annexation of Crimea as part of a peace plan.

During a meeting between Vladimir Putin and special envoy Steve Wittkoff in St. Petersburg, it was reported that Russia may abandon its claims on the territory of four Ukrainian regions, which are partially occupied and remain under Kyiv's control. The American side responded to this proposal with the idea of recognizing the annexation of Crimea and Russia's de facto control over certain regions. This is the first step for Putin to retreat from his maximalist demands regarding the invasion that he has been presenting for the last three years.

The proposal for a potential agreement regarding the cessation of the war in Ukraine emerged during a meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Paris last week. According to the agreement, the deployment of a European peacekeeping contingent and non-military forces will take place in Ukraine to monitor a ceasefire along the front line. As part of the agreement, Ukraine commits not to use force to reclaim occupied territories, while Russia is to halt the advance of its troops. However, it is unclear whether the American president formally asked Ukraine to recognize Crimea's annexation by Russia.

It is expected that after the ceasefire is established, direct negotiations will take place between Zelensky and Putin. The Ukrainian side stated that it had not received any specific proposals from Trump regarding the cessation of the war. Russia also rejected some of the U.S. proposals, including those concerning NATO's military presence in Ukraine.

Analyzing the material, it is clear that Russia and the U.S. are considering the possibility of reaching an agreement regarding the cessation of the war in Ukraine. The proposals include recognizing Russia's annexation of Crimea and deploying peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. However, there are certain risks and warnings that Russia may use this situation to impose its demands on the Ukrainian side. Officials' opinions diverge regarding the acceptance of the proposals, but the prospect of a peaceful resolution of the conflict is a step forward in the political process.