Washington — Concerns about a recent peace proposal aimed at concluding the war in Ukraine were voiced by GOP Representative Mike Turner of Ohio. He described the plan, which has garnered support from the White House, as potentially favoring Russia. Turner emphasized that any resolution must recognize Russia as a “skeptical adversary,” highlighting the need for clear-eyed assessments of Moscow’s intentions.

In an interview on a Sunday talk show, Turner acknowledged the significance of the president’s aspirations for peace, while echoing sentiments from Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding Ukraine’s sovereignty. Negotiators from Ukraine met in Miami on Sunday with U.S. officials, including Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, who served as a senior advisor in the Trump administration. Witkoff is slated to visit Moscow later this week to further discussions.

Rubio set the tone for the talks by articulating that the primary objective extends beyond merely ending hostilities; it also involves ensuring Ukraine’s independence and fostering future prosperity. His remarks followed the introduction of a peace plan by the White House, which faced backlash for appearing to accommodate Russian interests. Critics noted that initial provisions had previously been rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, although proponents, including Trump, assert that revisions have improved its substance.

Turner, serving on the House Armed Services Committee and formerly leading the House Intelligence Committee, reaffirmed his apprehensions about the proposal’s direction. He indicated that there is a collective unease regarding any notion of a pro-Russia stance within the peace framework. “It is essential to understand that we cannot adopt an America-first policy that aligns us with a country that has identified itself as an adversary,” he stated. The congressman stressed Russia’s ongoing military advancements and cyberattacks against the United States as reasons to remain cautious.

Further, Turner expressed alarm over a recently published transcript that hinted at Witkoff coaching a Kremlin aide on negotiating tactics. He voiced concerns that giving Russian President Vladimir Putin an early opportunity to communicate with former President Trump could undermine Zelenskyy’s position. “The Ukrainian people are suffering immensely, and it is critical that the president hears directly from Zelenskyy, not just from authoritarian figures,” he said.

Turner also shared his apprehension that inserting Putin’s voice into discussions ahead of Zelenskyy’s could set a troubling precedent. He reiterated that the sovereignty and security of Ukraine must take precedence in any negotiations.

Following the meeting, Rubio characterized the discussions as productive, reiterating a collective commitment to a safe and independent Ukraine. However, he acknowledged the complexity of the situation, pointing out the challenges posed by engaging a party willing to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.

With ongoing dialogues and a forthcoming visit to Moscow, the situation remains fluid. Both representatives stressed the need for vigilance and a strong stance that prioritizes Ukraine amidst an intricate geopolitical landscape. The upcoming weeks will likely prove crucial as negotiations progress and the realities of the conflict continue to unfold.