Serious discrepancies remain between Washington and Kyiv concerning the terms of a peace agreement framework with Russia. The main sticking points are security guarantees for Ukraine and the US stance on recognizing Russia's control over Crimea.

Source: CNN citing a source close to the Ukrainian government 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 to end the war.

Ukraine demands security guarantees 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 acknowledge 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 is achieved.

Ukraine's counterproposal, which was also signed by France, the UK, and Germany, was delivered 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 requirement from Kyiv before any other actions are taken.

Specifically: "At the same time, Ukraine generally agreed to 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 around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant."

Details: Although discrepancies remain, the steps taken by Ukraine for effective participation in the negotiations are significant, Ukrainian officials noted.

"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 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 presented Ukraine with a one-page document in Paris, which was described as a "final proposal" for peace settlement. Among other things, the US is willing to recognize Russia's control over Crimea and ease sanctions against Moscow.
• On April 24, President Zelensky stated that the US had proposed its strategy regarding Ukraine's territories during negotiations in London, but according to him, "another paper emerged" after the US proposal.