Discrepancies between Washington and Kyiv on Peace Agreement
Significant differences exist between Washington and Kyiv regarding the terms of a peace agreement with Russia. The main points of contention are security guarantees for Ukraine and the US stance on Crimea.
According to a source close to the Ukrainian government, the US and Ukraine have opposing views on key aspects of the agreement.
Ukraine insists on security guarantees not only from European nations but also from the US, while the initial American proposal suggested that reliable guarantees would come solely from Europe.
Moreover, the US proposal to recognize Russia's control over Crimea is completely unacceptable for Ukraine.
Ukraine is also adamant about discussing the issue of territories occupied by Russia since the invasion in 2022 after a ceasefire.
Ukraine's counterproposal, which was also endorsed by France, the UK, and Germany, was presented to Donald Trump’s representative on Ukrainian matters, Keith Kellogg. It calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire from both sides, which is a primary demand from Kyiv before any further actions.
Overall, Ukraine agreed to several provisions of the initial American plan, including the gradual lifting of sanctions against Russia imposed since 2014, Ukraine's renunciation of NATO membership, freezing the front line, and regaining control over the area around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Despite the existing discrepancies, the steps taken by Ukraine to effectively participate in the negotiations are substantial, noted Ukrainian officials.
“The fact that Ukraine is willing to talk about territories is a significant step. But if Trump does not see this as a major concession, that’s a problem,” the source said.
Background:
- On April 25, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine needs security guarantees from the US as strong as those given to Israel – 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 offer” for a peace settlement. Among other things, the US was willing to recognize Russia's control over Ukrainian Crimea and ease sanctions against Moscow.
- President Zelensky also mentioned that the US proposed its strategy regarding Ukraine's territories during talks in London, but, according to him, following the US proposal, “another paper appeared.”