Economist: peace settlement plan envisions Ukraine giving up NATO membership in exchange for EU accession

The White House is making attempts to revive negotiations on a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.

This is reported by The Economist, citing Ukrainian officials — apparently National Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov.

According to the plan described, a demilitarized zone is to be established in Donbas. The publication does not specify under whose effective control it would fall — Russian or Ukrainian.

Under the terms of the plan, Russia would be able to conclude business deals with American companies, have sanctions lifted, and see a normalization of political relations. In addition, Moscow is promised a resumption of Russian gas supplies to Europe and the restoration of Nord Stream’s operation.

Ukraine, under the same plan, is offered an investment package and European Union membership — in exchange for renouncing its bid to join NATO.

The Economist also notes that Ukrainian negotiators fear American envoys may strike deals favorable to themselves before the war is over.