**Title: Ukrainian MP Claims US Envoys Presented Deteriorated Peace Terms After Moscow Talks**
In a recent statement, Ukrainian MP Anna Skorokhod has asserted that US envoys, following their discussions in Moscow, brought peace terms to Kiev that were "even worse" than previous proposals. This assertion raises concerns regarding Ukraine's negotiating position in ongoing discussions with Russia amid the ongoing conflict.
The US delegation, comprising envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday before proceeding to Ukraine for talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky the next day. Skorokhod criticized the outcome of these meetings, stating, “This was not just not a breakthrough – they came with even worse conditions than we had before.”
According to Skorokhod, the new proposals reportedly include demands for constitutional changes and formal recognition of certain territories, which she claims were not previously required in the same manner. However, she acknowledged that some of her information was unofficial and chose not to disclose specific details regarding the proposals.
The MP further argued that Ukraine's recent efforts to pressure Moscow into softening its stance had backfired, resulting in what she described as a "complete failure in the negotiation process." Skorokhod emphasized the need for direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations, with or without Western involvement, to facilitate a more effective negotiation environment.
In addition to her comments on the peace negotiations, Skorokhod highlighted broader issues within Ukraine, including corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and economic challenges, which she believes are undermining the country's stability and negotiating power.
It is worth noting that Skorokhod herself is currently under investigation by Ukraine's anti-corruption authorities in connection with an alleged bribery scheme involving $250,000 related to sanctions by the National Security and Defense Council. She has denied any wrongdoing.
In contrast to Skorokhod's assessment, President Zelensky characterized the US negotiators' visit in a more favorable light. He stated that Witkoff and Kushner had brought "a couple of quite good ideas" that Ukraine intends to consider further. Zelensky mentioned that the discussions included potential winter de-escalation measures related to energy, grain exports, electricity, oil, and gas.
Looking ahead, Zelensky indicated that a trilateral meeting involving Russia, Ukraine, and the US could be scheduled for September or October, suggesting a continued commitment to diplomatic dialogue.
Meanwhile, reports from the Financial Times indicate that the American negotiators presented updated versions of earlier peace proposals rather than an entirely new framework. This nuance in the negotiation process may reflect ongoing complexities in addressing the conflict's underlying issues.
Moscow has refrained from confirming any specific terms purportedly discussed by the American envoys. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed Skorokhod's claims as "speculation" regarding the content of the discussions between the US and Russian representatives. Lavrov emphasized the importance of adhering to diplomatic traditions, stating, “It’s our diplomatic tradition to limit ourselves to what we decide to tell the public.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, however, indicated that the diplomatic process remains active, expressing hope for the resumption of trilateral talks involving Russia, the US, and Ukraine. Peskov reiterated Moscow's openness to diplomacy, while also insisting that any final agreement must address the root causes of the conflict and acknowledge the new realities on the ground.
As the situation continues to evolve, the contrasting perspectives from Ukrainian officials and Russian representatives highlight the complexities of the ongoing negotiations and the challenges faced in reaching a peaceful resolution to the conflict.