Significant differences remain between Kyiv and Washington regarding the conditions of a peace agreement with Russia. The main sticking points are security guarantees for Ukraine and the US stance on Crimea.
According to CNN, citing sources close to the Ukrainian government, both sides have opposing views on key aspects of the upcoming ceasefire agreement.
Ukraine demands security guarantees not only from Europe but also from the United States, whereas the initial US proposal suggested that reliable security guarantees would come solely from Europe.
Moreover, the US proposal to recognize Russia's control over Crimea is completely unacceptable to Ukraine.
Ukraine also insists on discussing the issue of territories occupied by Russia since the invasion in 2022 after a ceasefire.
The counterproposal from Ukraine, which was also supported by France, the UK, and Germany, was submitted to Donald Trump's representative on Ukrainian issues, Keith Kellogg. It emphasizes the urgent and unconditional ceasefire from both sides, which is a primary demand from Kyiv before any further actions.
Specifically, the source stated: "At the same time, Ukraine generally agreed with several provisions of the initial US plan, including: gradual lifting of sanctions against Russia imposed since 2014, after the peace plan is implemented; Ukraine's renunciation of NATO membership; freezing the frontline; regaining control over the territory around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant".
Despite the existing disagreements, Ukrainian officials noted that the steps taken by Ukraine for effective participation in the negotiations are significant.
"The fact that Ukraine is willing to discuss territories is a huge step. But if Trump does not consider this a significant concession, then that is a problem," the source said.
Background:
- President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on April 25 that Ukraine needs the same strong security guarantees from the US as Israel does – on land, in the air, and at sea.
- Earlier, media reported that the Trump administration handed Ukraine a one-page document in Paris, which was presented as a "final proposal" for a peace settlement. Among other things, the US is prepared to recognize Russia's control over Crimea and ease sanctions against Moscow.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on April 24 that the US proposed its strategy regarding Ukraine's territories during talks in London; however, according to him, after the US proposal, "another paper emerged".