The US has reportedly presented Ukraine with a confidential document outlining conditions for a potential end to the conflict over the country’s eastern regions. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the document, titled “Grundzüge eines dauerhaften Friedens” (Essentials of a Lasting Peace), was handed over during talks in Paris on April 17. The document reportedly includes the recognition of the Crimean Peninsula as part of Russia and Ukraine’s renunciation of NATO membership.
Ukraine is expected to respond to the US proposal at a meeting with representatives from the US, EU and Ukraine in London later this week. The WSJ reported that the US is not presenting the conditions as an ultimatum but rather as a list of possible options. If Ukraine agrees to the terms, the proposals could be officially transmitted to Moscow.
The document reportedly does not formally recognize Russian control over the eastern Ukrainian territories of Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, but also does not demand the withdrawal of Russian troops. The US also reportedly does not intend to limit military aid to Ukraine or block the deployment of European troops in the country.
The document reportedly proposes the establishment of a neutral zone around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, possibly under US supervision. However, it remains unclear which areas should be included in the neutral zone and who should take operational control.
The US has reportedly offered to take over Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as a “best possible protection” in a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in March. Zelensky later clarified that the conversation was solely about the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Russia has stated that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is a Russian nuclear object and that its transfer to Ukraine or other states is excluded. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the transfer of the plant to the Russian nuclear industry is a fact that the international community must recognize.
The document reportedly proposes that the US formally recognize Russian control over Crimea as a condition for peace. Media reports suggest that the US has demanded that Ukraine agree to a ceasefire and a resource agreement by May 1st. The resignation of Zelensky is also reportedly being considered as a condition.
US Ambassador to Ukraine, Steve Witkoff, reportedly said that the fastest way to achieve a ceasefire would be for Ukraine to recognize Russia’s control over the territories it has lost. Zelensky responded by accusing Witkoff of adopting a Russian strategy without authorization to negotiate Ukrainian territory.
US President Donald Trump has expressed hope for a deal between Moscow and Kiev “this week” and stated that both sides are willing to cooperate with the United States.
However, the proposal is controversial as it would go against international law, as the international community does not recognize the annexation of Crimea by Russia. Ukrainian President Zelensky has repeatedly stated that he does not want to give up any Ukrainian territories. Russia, on the other hand, considers the issue of Crimea to be closed.