There are substantial discrepancies between Washington and Kyiv regarding the terms of a framework agreement with Moscow. The main sticking points include security guarantees for Ukraine and the US position on recognizing Russia's control over Crimea.
Source: CNN citing information from Ukrainian government officials familiar with both versions of the agreement.
Details: According to the source, the US and Ukraine have opposing views on key aspects of the future framework agreement for ending the war.
Ukraine demands security guarantees not only from Europe but also from the United States, whereas the initial American proposal suggested that reliable security guarantees would only come from Europe.
Moreover, the US proposal to recognize Russia's control over Crimea is completely unacceptable for Ukraine.
Ukraine also insists on discussing the issue of Russian occupation of territories seized since the invasion in 2022, after a ceasefire.
The counterproposal from Ukraine, which was also signed by France, the UK, and Germany, was delivered to Donald Trump's representative on Ukraine, Kit Kellogg. It calls for an unconditional and immediate ceasefire from both sides, which is a primary demand from Kyiv before any further actions.
Word for word: "At the same time, Ukraine generally agreed to several provisions of the initial American plan, including: a gradual lifting of sanctions against Russia imposed since 2014 after the peace plan is implemented; Ukraine's renouncement of NATO membership; freezing the frontline; regaining control over the territory around the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant".
Details: Although discrepancies remain, the steps taken by Ukraine to effectively engage in negotiations are significant, noted Ukrainian officials.
"The fact that Ukraine is willing to discuss territories is a huge step. But if Trump does not see this as a significant concession, that’s a problem," said the source.
Background:
- President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on April 25 that Ukraine needs as 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, presented as a "final proposal" for a peace settlement. Among other things, the US is prepared to recognize Russia's control over Ukrainian Crimea and ease sanctions against Moscow.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on April 24 that the US offered its strategy regarding Ukrainian territories during negotiations in London, but, according to him, after the US proposal, "another paper appeared".