Recent diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine have exposed significant differences between the United States, Ukraine, and European nations regarding peace proposals.

In mid-April 2025, the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump, through envoy Steve Witkoff, presented a plan recognizing Russian control over Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine, lifting sanctions imposed since 2014, and preventing Ukraine from joining NATO, while offering unspecified security guarantees. In contrast, Ukrainian and European officials countered with a proposal emphasizing an unconditional ceasefire, robust security guarantees akin to NATO's Article 5, unrestricted military aid, and the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction. These proposals were discussed during diplomatic meetings in Paris on April 17 and London on April 23, 2025. The divergences underscore the complexities in achieving a consensus to end the ongoing conflict.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict, initiated by Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, has persisted for over three years, resulting in significant territorial losses for Ukraine and substantial humanitarian crises. As of April 2025, Russia controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and parts of eastern and southern regions.

In mid-April 2025, the United States intensified diplomatic efforts to broker a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, a billionaire property investor with no formal diplomatic experience but a long-time associate of President Trump, has been at the forefront of these negotiations.

During diplomatic meetings in Paris on April 17, 2025, and London on April 23, 2025, the U.S. presented a peace plan with the following key elements:

• Territorial Concessions: Recognition of Russian control over Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine.

• Sanctions Relief: Gradual lifting of sanctions imposed on Russia since 2014.

• NATO Membership: Prevention of Ukraine from joining NATO.

• Security Guarantees: Provision of unspecified security assurances to Ukraine.

This proposal has been described by U.S. officials as a "final offer" aimed at swiftly resolving the conflict.

In response, Ukrainian and European officials have put forward a counterproposal emphasizing:

• Ceasefire: Immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities.

• Security Guarantees: Robust assurances akin to NATO's Article 5, potentially involving U.S. backing.

• Military Aid: Unrestricted military assistance and deployment on Ukrainian soil.

• Sanctions Policy: Gradual easing of sanctions contingent upon lasting peace.

• Reconstruction Funding: Utilization of frozen Russian assets to compensate for war damages in Ukraine.

This counterproposal reflects a firm stance on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Key figures involved in these negotiations include:

• Steve Witkoff: Appointed as a special envoy by President Trump, Witkoff has been actively engaged in the peace negotiations despite lacking formal diplomatic experience. His approach has been both praised for pragmatism and criticized for perceived naivety and pro-Russian inclinations.

• Vladimir Putin: The Russian President has engaged in multiple discussions with U.S. officials, including a three-hour meeting with Witkoff on April 25, 2025, to explore the possibility of direct Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations.

• Volodymyr Zelenskyy: The Ukrainian President has firmly rejected proposals that would recognize Russian control over Ukrainian territories, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine's sovereignty and constitutional integrity.

Statements and reactions from these leaders further highlight the complexities of the situation:

• President Donald Trump: In a Time magazine interview, Trump stated, "Crimea will stay with Russia," indicating support for Ukrainian concessions to expedite the end of the war. He criticized President Zelenskyy for prolonging the conflict by resisting negotiations with Putin.

• President Vladimir Putin: Expressed agreement in principle with a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire but emphasized the need for further discussions to ensure a lasting peace.

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Asserted that Ukraine would not recognize Crimea as Russian, noting that such recognition would violate the country's constitution.

The divergent peace proposals underscore the complexities of achieving a consensus to end the ongoing conflict. The U.S. approach, favoring territorial concessions and sanctions relief, contrasts sharply with the Ukrainian and European emphasis on sovereignty, security guarantees, and accountability. These differences reflect broader geopolitical tensions and the challenges of balancing diplomatic expediency with principles of international law and national sovereignty.

The ongoing diplomatic efforts highlight the intricate and multifaceted nature of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Achieving a lasting peace will require navigating the divergent priorities and proposals of the involved parties, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and negotiation.