Rubio Affirms U.S. Authorship of Ukraine Peace Proposal Amid Contradictory Claims

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Saturday that the United States authored a 28-point peace proposal aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. This assertion comes in response to claims from several U.S. senators who reported that Rubio had characterized the plan as a Russian initiative.

Rubio emphasized on social media that the proposal serves as a robust framework for ongoing negotiations, incorporating input from both Russian and Ukrainian sides. He stated, "The peace proposal was authored by the U.S. It is offered as a strong framework for ongoing negotiations. It is based on input from the Russian side. But it is also based on previous and ongoing input from Ukraine."

However, Senator Mike Rounds, a Republican from South Dakota, provided a differing account. Speaking at the Halifax International Security Forum in Canada, Rounds said that Rubio had informed him and other senators that the proposal was received by the U.S. from another source and then forwarded to Ukraine. Rounds stated, "He made it very clear to us that we are the recipients of a proposal that was delivered to one of our representatives. It is not our recommendation. It is not our peace plan."

The 28-point plan has been a subject of controversy, with critics arguing that it favors Russian interests, including territorial concessions that Ukraine has consistently rejected. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed appreciation for U.S. support but insists that any peace proposal must protect Ukrainian sovereignty.

The conflicting statements have added complexity to the diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Negotiations are set to continue, with key stakeholders seeking a viable and just peace agreement.