Trump's plan for the occupied territories in Ukraine is "set in stone" - The Times

US President Donald Trump's plan to "allow Russia to keep the occupied territories" in Ukraine is "carved in stone", The Times reports, citing sources, UNN writes.

Details

According to a source close to Steve Witkoff, the US president's special envoy, "Trump may meet with Zelensky in Rome on Saturday on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral, but he believes that the Ukrainian leader "really has no choice" but to sign the proposal". Trump is threatening to withdraw from the peace process next week if no agreement is reached.

It was reported that the US proposal, submitted by Witkoff to Moscow and Kyiv, "included official US recognition of Russia's control over Crimea, the peninsula that was annexed in 2014, and de facto recognition of Russia's control over the territories in southern and eastern Ukraine that its troops seized after the full-scale invasion in 2022", the publication writes.

The European and Ukrainian counterproposal, as stated, "makes the discussion of control over the territory dependent on negotiations that will follow the ceasefire".

CNN has learned the main "stumbling blocks" between the US and Ukraine regarding the framework for ending the war: what it's about CNN — While US officials are increasingly focused on how the war in Ukraine might end, discussions with Ukrainian officials reveal some key differences between Washington and Kyiv on what a possible framework for ending the war might look like, multiple sources familiar with the discussions told CNN. These differences are not causing a rift between the two governments, sources say, and officials acknowledge that Ukraine ultimately makes its own sovereign decisions. But they highlight the difficult calculations facing the Biden administration as it attempts to manage a war with no clear end in sight. One of the main stumbling blocks, sources say, is the issue of what might constitute a victory for Ukraine – and, conversely, what might be seen as an unacceptable outcome that prolongs the conflict. US officials have made it clear to the Ukrainians, according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions, that they do not believe Ukraine is capable of fully regaining all its territory, including Crimea. The US side believes that attempting to do so would cross a red line for Putin, which could lead to a broader war. But Ukrainian officials have told the US that they have no intention of stopping fighting until they reclaim all their territory, including Crimea, sources said. Ukrainian officials see it as an existential issue and argue that any outcome short of that would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future Russian aggression. This fundamental disagreement over war aims has complicated discussions about potential diplomatic solutions, sources said. While the US is not pushing Ukraine to negotiate with Russia at this time, US officials believe it is important to begin exploring potential frameworks for a future settlement. Another stumbling block is the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine after the war. Ukrainian officials have sought strong security guarantees from the US and its allies, similar to those enjoyed by NATO members. But the Biden administration has been hesitant to offer such guarantees, fearing that they could draw the US into a direct conflict with Russia. Instead, the US has discussed providing Ukraine with ongoing military assistance and other forms of support to deter future aggression. These differences over war aims and security guarantees have led to some tense moments in the discussions between the US and Ukraine, sources said. But both sides remain committed to working together to find a way to end the war. "We are in constant dialogue with the Ukrainians about all aspects of the war," a senior administration official told CNN. "That includes their military needs, their economic situation, and their diplomatic goals. We believe it is important to be clear with them about our assessments and our limitations, but ultimately it is up to them to decide how to proceed." Ukrainian officials declined to comment on specific details of the discussions, but emphasized that they appreciate the US support and are committed to working together to achieve a just and lasting peace. "We are grateful to the United States for their unwavering support," said a Ukrainian official. "We are working closely with our American partners to find a way to end the war on terms that are acceptable to Ukraine and that ensure our long-term security." 26.04.25, 09:55 • [views_7463]

"Trump believes that this land has been captured and will not be returned," said a source close to Witkoff.

"The agreement on the negotiating table is that the territory occupied by Russia will remain occupied. Russia is not pulled out of there. This part is carved in stone," the source said.

"The US believes that if Ukraine rejects the deal, the war will last for months, maybe even years, and Kyiv will depend on Europe for funding and ammunition," the source said. "The cessation of [US] funding will actually have the same impact as the cessation of arms supplies [this year], because Ukraine is using this money to buy more weapons from other allies," the source added.

Asked if this was a "take it or leave it" moment for Zelensky, the source said the US saw it as a "take it or take it".

According to the publication, Americans also believe that European public opinion will be against the huge costs required to keep Ukraine in the war, amid the continent heading into recession - partly caused by Trump's tariffs.

Putin and Witkoff discussed the possibility of resuming direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine - Ushakov25.04.25, 18:39 • [views_4835]

"British and French officials are believed to have tried to persuade Trump to agree to a meeting with Zelensky after the Pope's funeral to try to ease tensions," the publication says.

A British diplomatic source said there was an "obvious opportunity" for talks in Rome, but the Italian government said such a move would be seen as disrespectful.

"Trump demonstrated his uncompromising stance on Russian-occupied Ukraine when he told Time magazine on Friday that "Crimea will remain with Russia" and again blamed Kyiv for provoking Moscow's invasion. However, as The Times understands, he is flexible on formal US recognition of Crimea at this stage and is not trying to force Zelensky to renounce Ukraine's sovereignty, but to accept Russian occupation," the publication notes.

Maryana Betsa, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, said in contrast that Ukraine will do "everything possible" to return Crimea.

"Our position is very clear, and our President, Volodymyr Zelensky, is very clear on this issue. Crimea is Ukraine," Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Maryana Betsa told Times Radio. "We will never recognise Russia's attempted annexation. We will never recognise it as Russian territory."

Meanwhile, in London, the former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that Russia will continue to wage war against his country until it suffers a huge defeat. "As long as the enemy has the resources, forces and means to strike at our territory and attempt offensive actions, he will do so. This is a war of attrition," Valeriy Zaluzhny, Ukraine's ambassador to the UK, said at the British-Ukrainian Defence Technology Forum. "Only the complete destruction of [Russia's] ability to wage war, i.e. its military and economic potential, can put an end to this."