Media: US "peace plan" suggests easing sanctions on Russia and leaving occupied territories to Moscow

The United States has presented its own proposals to its European allies for a "peace deal" between Russia and Ukraine, which, in particular, envisage easing sanctions against Russia should a lasting ceasefire take place.

European sources told Bloomberg that the US presented its plan during a series of meetings in Paris on 17 April.

The proposal suggests a de facto freeze on the war, with Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russia remaining under Moscow's control, the sources said.

The US plan also includes easing sanctions against Russia and excludes discussions on Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO, Bloomberg reported, noting that the sources declined to provide further details.

An official speaking on condition of anonymity told Bloomberg that the plan would not constitute a "final settlement" and emphasised that Ukraine's European allies would not recognise its occupied territories as part of Russia.

The officials also stressed that the talks would be futile unless Russia agreed to stop fighting and underscored the importance of providing Ukraine with security guarantees to secure any agreement.

Earlier on Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the US is ready to abandon efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine if it sees that this is an unattainable goal.

In response to Rubio’s comments, the Kremlin noted some progress and developments toward resolving the war in Ukraine but emphasised the presence of "numerous complex issues."

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claims that Russia will deliver its response to Washington regarding the proposal for a "ceasefire" in Ukraine in the coming days.