US says Russian peace plan for Ukraine is an occupation plan

Russian President Vladimir Putin.

US Ambassador Samantha Power says Russia’s latest “peace plan” for Ukraine is nothing more than an “occupation plan.” Power told the UN Security Council yesterday that “the current situation is dangerous” and urged Russia to implement a September cease-fire agreement.

She said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s new plan would free Moscow from its commitments under the Minsk agreement. Moscow has repeatedly “extended an olive branch in one hand, while passing out Grad missiles and tanks with the other hand” to Ukrainian separatists, Power said.

Russia’s UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin insisted Moscow is fulfilling the Minsk agreement and called for a speedy resumption of Minsk peace talks.