Washington’s position The US has proposed about 15 years of guarantees as part of the peace plan negotiated by Trump. While a step forward, Kyiv considers this insufficient to fully deter Moscow and stabilize the region. Trump has said he would “consider” extending the duration requested by Zelensky.
Why it’s a friction point
Ukraine wants long-term assurance for its survival, given decades of Russian aggression.
US faces domestic political limits (Congress approval required) and wants to avoid being legally obligated to automatic military intervention.
Russia rejects any guarantees involving foreign troops or mandatory intervention against Moscow.
🔴 2. Territorial status — Donbas and Zaporizhzhia 🧭 Donbas (Donetsk & Luhansk)
Kyiv refuses to cede Donbas, insisting it will not recognize Russian sovereignty de jure or de facto.
Russia demands Ukraine withdraw its troops and relinquish control over areas still under Kyiv’s administration, as a condition for any peace deal.
Washington tries to propose a fragile compromise, such as a special status or demilitarized/economic zone, but no agreement is yet reached.
Why it’s difficult Donbas is a strong political symbol for Ukraine (territorial integrity) and a strategic claim for Russia (justifying military pressure). Neither side wants to appear to concede without strong countermeasures.
⚛️ Zaporizhzhia (nuclear plant)
Control of Europe’s largest nuclear plant is a diplomatic Gordian knot. Moscow sees it as part of its sphere since occupation, while Kyiv demands its return under Ukrainian control or at least joint management excluding Kremlin influence.
Any Russian role in managing the site is unacceptable to Kyiv, but Moscow refuses to relinquish strategic influence.
🟢 3. Ceasefire and elections
Ukraine requests a ceasefire of at least 60 days before any election or referendum tied to a peace agreement, ensuring a secure environment for all citizens. Moscow refuses, arguing this would prolong the conflict.
Washington is torn between encouraging democratic elections and maintaining diplomatic pressure on Moscow, without being able to force a ceasefire that Russia rejects.
⚖️ 4. Diverging interests of the actors 🟡 Kyiv (Zelensky)
Defend territorial integrity.
Ensure durable security guarantees.
Maintain Ukrainian responsibility over its territory and infrastructure (e.g., Zaporizhzhia).
🔵 Washington (Trump)
Seek an agreement that stabilizes the situation without direct US engagement in open conflict with Russia.
Aim for a diplomatic compromise acceptable to some European partners.
🔴 Moscow (Putin)
Claim territorial gains achieved militarily.
Want assurances that Ukraine will never join NATO or other Western military alliances.
Reject direct Western military presence near its “security perimeter.”
🧭 Conclusion: Why negotiations remain tense
Security: Kyiv wants strong guarantees; US offers limited engagement; Russia rejects foreign troops.
Territory: Donbas and Zaporizhzhia fundamentally divide parties — compromises risk political credibility for either side.
Process: Timing of elections, ceasefires, and referendums complicates diplomacy.
Trust: Low trust, exacerbated by ongoing hostilities, makes concessions politically sensitive.
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