Discussions between Ukraine and the United States over a potential framework to end the war have revealed major differences on key issues, CNN has reported, citing multiple sources familiar with the ongoing talks.
According to sources, the negotiations have not caused a rift between Kyiv and Washington, but they have exposed deep disagreements over what would constitute a victory for Ukraine and the necessary security arrangements for the future. The Trump administration is reportedly concerned that Ukraine cannot regain all its territory by military means, including the Crimean peninsula, and fears that attempting to do so could provoke a dangerous escalation with Russia. US officials have privately suggested that Ukraine may need to accept the loss of Crimea to achieve peace.
Ukrainian officials, however, have firmly rejected any suggestion that Russia should be allowed to keep any part of Ukrainian territory. They have insisted that a just and lasting peace must include the full restoration of Ukraine’s borders, including Crimea, arguing that anything less would leave Ukraine permanently vulnerable to future Russian attacks.
Security guarantees remain another major point of contention. Ukraine is demanding strong security commitments not only from European allies but also directly from the United States. However, the US has been reluctant to offer NATO style guarantees, fearing it could entangle Washington in direct conflict with Moscow. Instead, the Trump administration is proposing ongoing military support and assistance to help Ukraine defend itself in the future.
Ukrainian officials have expressed appreciation for the continued US backing but remain clear that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable. A source close to the Ukrainian government confirmed that Kyiv presented a counterproposal, signed by France, Britain, and Germany, to Keith Kellogg, the chief special representative for Ukraine under President Donald Trump.
The Ukrainian counterproposal places the need for a complete and unconditional ceasefire at the top of the agenda, before any other discussions take place. It also accepts gradual lifting of sanctions imposed on Russia since 2014, following the adoption of a peace agreement, and recognises Ukraine’s non-accession to NATO. Furthermore, it calls for freezing current front lines and returning control over areas surrounding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to Ukraine.
Despite some agreements on smaller points, Kyiv remains adamant that no peace settlement can include concessions of sovereign territory. Ukrainian and European officials have firmly rejected parts of the original US framework, including any recognition of Russia’s illegal annexations after the 2022 invasion.
Sources stressed that although differences persist, Ukraine’s willingness to engage in dialogue about difficult issues shows a significant step towards a future peace deal. However, concerns remain that President Trump’s representatives may not recognise the scale of concessions Ukraine is already prepared to make, potentially complicating the path to any settlement.
