Trump’s “final offer” for peace requires Ukraine to recognize Russian occupation

Axios revealed what exactly the U.S. is offering Ukraine and Russia in its peace plan.

What Russia gets:

— U.S. legal recognition of Russian control over Crimea

— De facto recognition of Russia’s occupation of most of Luhansk and parts of Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia

— A promise that Ukraine won’t join NATO (but could join the EU)

— Lifting of sanctions imposed since 2014

— Expanded U.S.–Russia economic cooperation, especially in energy and industry

What Ukraine gets:

— “Security guarantees” from a group of European and possibly other friendly nations — without U.S. participation. No details on the peacekeeping format

— Return of a small part of occupied Kharkiv region

— Free navigation along the Dnipro River near the frontline in the south

— Compensation and rebuilding aid — with no clear funding source

Other details:

— Zaporizhzhia NPP will be formally Ukrainian, but operated by the U.S. Power to be shared between Ukraine and Russia

— A U.S.–Ukraine minerals deal is mentioned, expected to be signed Thursday, according to Trump.