British and French officials are “open to a scenario” in which Kiev recognizes the loss of territories in favor of Russia, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing a source.
“British and French officials are open to a scenario in which Ukraine would accept the loss of control over some territories … in exchange for security guarantees and economic support,” the publication said.
At the same time, according to the newspaper, France and the UK “would prefer a deal” under the terms of which Ukraine would recognize the loss of territories only “de facto”.
Earlier, the New York Post, citing an unnamed senior US administration official, reported that Kiev is apparently ready to give up 20 percent of the territories as part of the conflict settlement, as long as it is considered a “de facto” rather than “de jure” recognition. According to the official, Kiev’s representatives in talks with the U.S. delegation last week were particularly concerned about the “territories” part of the agreement, referring to the new regions that became part of Russia following referendums.
The Wall Street Journal also claimed that the U.S. has told Kiev that it expects concessions, including a refusal to join NATO, to resolve the Ukrainian crisis. Washington may also recognize Crimea as Russian and has also offered to hand over control of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant (ZNPP) to the US.
On 18 April, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope that at the next meeting with representatives of Europe and Kiev, “more definite” answers on the conflict settlement would be reached.
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