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The main sticking points between the US and Ukraine over a framework to end the Ukraine War include security guarantees for Ukraine and the US position on recognizing Russia's control of Crimea, according to a source close to the Ukrainian government who has seen both frameworks.
Ukraine is seeking security guarantees not only from Europe but also from the US, while the initial US framework said that strong security guarantees for Ukraine would come only from Europe. And the US proposal that the US recognize Russia's control of Crimea is something that the Ukrainians completely reject. They also want discussions on holding the territory occupied by Russia since the invasion in 2022 after a ceasefire, the source said.
Ukraine's counterproposal was also signed by the French, British and Germans and presented to US President Donald Trump's top envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg.
The counter-proposal also made it clear that Ukraine wants a ceasefire to come before any further action is taken. The need for both sides to commit to a complete and unconditional ceasefire is listed at the top of the proposal.
However, Ukraine also largely agreed to a number of points in the initial US framework, including: lifting sanctions on Russia, which have been in place since 2014, which Ukrainians say should happen gradually after the peace plan is approved, Ukraine's non-membership in NATO, freezing the front line, and Ukraine's regaining control over the area around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
While differences remain, the steps Ukraine has taken to effectively engage in the talks are important, officials said.
"For Ukraine to be willing to engage in talks about territory is great, but if Trump doesn't think it's too much of a concession, that's a problem," the source said.
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