US-backed Ukraine peace plan: What's at stake?

The U.S. has drafted a controversial peace plan for Ukraine that reportedly favors Russian interests, causing tensions among the U.S., Ukraine, and European nations. This plan, influenced by a Kremlin confidant, includes provisions that may require Ukraine to make significant territorial concessions, raising concerns about its implications for Ukrainian sovereignty.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order to designate specific branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations, focusing on chapters in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan. The responsibility for completing this designation has been assigned to senior US diplomats and Treasury officials.

Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns following recent peace talks in Geneva, warning that U.S. proposals may compel Kyiv to make unacceptable concessions to Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is at a critical juncture, facing pressure to accept terms that could undermine its sovereignty.

President Donald Trump has ordered the blacklisting of certain branches of the Muslim Brotherhood, designating them as terrorist organizations due to their alleged support for Hamas and activities against U.S. interests. This decision follows an executive order that delegates the responsibility to key officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Negotiators for a peace plan regarding Ukraine have left the most contentious issues, particularly concerning territory claimed by the Kremlin but not occupied by Russian forces, to be resolved by former President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky. This decision reflects the complexity of the ongoing conflict and the challenges in reaching a consensus on territorial integrity.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism regarding amendments to a proposed peace plan following discussions in Geneva, although specific details on resolving territorial and security disputes between Moscow and Kyiv remain unclear.

The European Union (EU) and the United States (US) have resumed trade negotiations to address unresolved issues from a tariff deal reached in July. The US has urged the EU to reconsider its digital regulations to facilitate a reduction in import duties on steel and aluminum. Additionally, global discussions on wildlife protection and sustainable trade have commenced in Uzbekistan, with the EU advocating for stricter regulations on eel trade, facing opposition from Japan.

Ukraine has made significant amendments to the US-proposed peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia, removing some of the more extreme demands initially included. This development comes amid ongoing negotiations and a potential meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former US President Donald Trump, as European leaders express skepticism about the speed of reaching a deal.