Negotiation Discrepancies Between Washington and Kyiv
Serious discrepancies exist between Washington and Kyiv over the terms of a potential peace agreement with Russia. The main sticking points are security guarantees for Ukraine and the US stance on recognizing Russian control over Crimea.
Source: CNN, citing information from a source close to the Ukrainian government familiar with both versions of the agreement
Details: According to the source, the US and Ukraine hold opposing views on key aspects of the upcoming peace framework.
Ukraine demands security assurances not only from Europe but also from the US, while the initial American proposal suggested that reliable security guarantees would come solely from Europe.
Moreover, the US proposal to recognize Russian 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 is declared.
Ukraine's counterproposal, supported by France, the UK, and Germany, was delivered to Donald Trump's representative on Ukrainian issues – Kurt Volker. It calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire from both sides, which is a primary requirement from Kyiv before any further actions.
Direct quote: "At the same time, Ukraine has generally agreed with several provisions of the initial American plan, including: the 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 surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant."
Details: Although differences remain, the steps taken by Ukraine for effective participation in the negotiations are significant, officials noted.
"The fact that Ukraine is ready to discuss territories is a huge step. But if Trump does not see this as a substantial concession, then that is a problem," the source said.
Background:
- President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on April 25 that Ukraine needs security guarantees from the US as strong as those provided to Israel – by land, air, and sea.
- Earlier, media reported that the Trump administration handed Ukraine a one-page document presented as the "final proposal" for a peace settlement. Among other things, the US is prepared to recognize Russian control over Ukrainian Crimea and ease sanctions against Moscow.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 24 that the US proposed its strategy regarding Ukraine's territories during negotiations in London, but according to him, after the US proposal, "another paper appeared".
