US proposes Crimea recognition, Europe stands firm on security guarantees
American proposals concerning a ceasefire in Ukraine, as reported by Reuters, include recognising Crimea as part of Russia. In response, European countries and Ukraine propose security guarantees for Kyiv, modelled after NATO's Article 5.
According to Reuters, the American proposals were presented during talks in Paris and London, attended by representatives from the USA, European countries, and Ukraine.
The special envoy of the US President, Steve Witkoff, presented the proposals to Europeans in Paris, which were then conveyed to the Ukrainian side. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, described these proposals as "broad frameworks" aimed at highlighting the differences between the parties.
Details of American proposals
The American proposals include the USA's de jure recognition of Russia's control over Crimea and de facto control over the occupied parts of four Ukrainian regions: Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk.
Furthermore, Ukraine would receive security guarantees from European countries and other states but would not seek NATO membership. The proposals also include lifting sanctions imposed on Russia following the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
European counterproposals
On the other hand, the document resulting from the talks in London, handed to the American side, does not mention recognising Russian control over any Ukrainian territory. It proposes that discussions on territorial matters occur after a ceasefire is agreed upon.
This document stipulates no restrictions for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and allied troops stationed on its territory. The United States would also be among the countries offering guarantees to Ukraine.
Compensation and frozen assets
European proposals also foresee compensation for Ukraine for damages caused by the Russian invasion, which would be financed from frozen Russian assets abroad. Witkoff's document mentions compensation but does not specify the funding sources.
