U.S. to propose recognizing Crimea as Russian at London talks on April 23 – media

This was reported by The Washington Post, citing sources.

According to three sources interviewed by the media, Washington plans to propose recognizing Crimea as part of the Russian Federation and freezing the front line in Ukraine within a potential peace agreement. The proposals also include lifting sanctions against Russia, with Moscow expected to halt military operations in return.

A Western official told WP that American pressure on Ukraine is "astounding." Meanwhile, an advisor to the Ukrainian president shared that Washington's proposals, presented in Paris during talks on a ceasefire and security guarantees, contain some ideas that Kyiv agrees with, while others are rejected.

"European, and even Ukrainian, officials acknowledge privately that Kyiv is unlikely to regain control of the Russian-controlled territories any time soon. At best, they are hoping to slow the rush to any agreement that allows Moscow to hang on to conquered lands and come out from under sanctions, without first winning significant benefits for Ukraine," the article concludes.

• On April 17, a Ukrainian delegation led by Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov arrived in Paris for discussions with representatives from the UK, Germany, and France on the prospects of a ceasefire and future security guarantees for Ukraine. American officials Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff were also present in the French capital.

• On April 17, President Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian team at the Paris meeting did not discuss territorial issues and focused on the ceasefire.

• On April 23, representatives from Ukraine, the U.S., the UK, and France will hold negotiations in London. The meeting will focus on a possible ceasefire agreement with Russia.