Ukraine and the United States have serious disagreements over the terms of a possible agreement to end the war, CNN reports, citing sources close to the Ukrainian government.
The key points of contention are security guarantees and the issue of the status of Crimea. The Ukrainian side insists on receiving security guarantees not only from European partners, but also from the United States. However, the initial American proposal stipulated that such guarantees should be provided only by European countries.
The issue of Crimea remains particularly acute. The US has suggested in its proposals that it might recognize Russian control over the peninsula, which Kyiv categorically rejects. The Ukrainian side also insists on discussing the territories seized by Russia after 2022.
Kyiv's counter-proposal, supported by France, Britain and Germany, has already been handed over to Keith Kellogg, Donald Trump's chief envoy to Ukraine. The Ukrainian proposal calls for an immediate and complete ceasefire by both sides.
At the same time, Ukraine agreed to several points of the American initiative. Among them are the gradual lifting of some sanctions against Russia after the signing of a peace agreement, refusal to join NATO, freezing the front line, and returning control over the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
Although there is no full agreement yet, CNN notes that the very fact that Ukraine is willing to discuss territorial issues is a major concession. However, if the Trump team does not properly assess this move, the peace talks process could reach an impasse.
