US, Ukraine Officials Report Significant Differences in Peace Talks

Recent diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine have exposed significant differences between U.S., European, and Ukrainian negotiators, particularly regarding territorial concessions, sanctions, and the sequencing of a ceasefire versus a comprehensive peace agreement. Proposals from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff suggested formal U.S. recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea and de facto recognition of other occupied territories, a position strongly resisted by Ukrainian and European officials who prefer to postpone territorial discussions until after a ceasefire. Both sides agree on Ukraine regaining control of some key infrastructure, but substantial divisions remain over security guarantees and the size of Ukraine’s military. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have described their approach as a 'broad framework' to clarify differences, while warning that U.S. mediation could end soon if no progress is made. European diplomats report some progress in persuading Ukraine to consider negotiations but acknowledge Kyiv insists on a ceasefire before discussing territorial concessions, contrary to the Trump administration’s push for a final peace deal up front. This ongoing shuttle diplomacy marks the most concerted push for a resolution since early in the war, with nearly a fifth of Ukraine under Russian control.