Diplomatic rift exposed: Secret Ukraine talks reveal deep divides
Reuters has obtained documents from discussions between representatives of the U.S., Europe, and Ukraine, which took place in Paris on April 17 and in London on April 23. The main discrepancies between the two documents pertain to the order of resolving territorial issues, lifting sanctions against Russia, security guarantees, and the size of the Ukrainian army.
Though some differences had been previously indicated by sources close to the negotiations, the documents obtained by Reuters provide a full and detailed account of these discrepancies for the first time.
The first document contains proposals presented to European officials in Paris by Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, which were then communicated to the Ukrainian side. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the proposals as a "broad framework" to help identify differences between the parties.
The second document was created a week later during discussions between Ukrainian and European representatives in London and was shared with the American side, according to sources.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Thursday that he believes the document containing proposals from Wednesday’s talks in London is already on Trump’s desk.
This marks the most intensive diplomatic effort to end the fighting since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, Reuters assesses. Currently, Moscow's forces control nearly one-fifth of Ukraine's territory.
Regarding territories, Witkoff's proposals include de jure (according to law) U.S. recognition of Russian control over Crimea—the Ukrainian peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014—and de facto (in reality) recognition of Russian presence in southern and eastern Ukraine under Moscow's control.
In contrast, the European-Ukrainian document suggests postponing detailed territorial talks until after a ceasefire is achieved and does not mention recognizing Russian control over Ukrainian territory.
For Ukraine's long-term security, Witkoff's document envisions "robust security guarantees" to be provided by European states and other allies. However, it lacks further details and assumes Kyiv will not seek NATO membership.
The counterproposals are more explicit, allowing no restrictions on Ukraine's armed forces and permitting allied countries to station troops on Ukrainian territory—an element likely to provoke a strong response from Moscow.
They also propose strong security guarantees for Kyiv, including assurances from the United States, in a form resembling Article 5 of the NATO treaty concerning mutual defense.
Economically, Witkoff's proposals suggest lifting the sanctions imposed on Russia following the 2014 annexation of Crimea as part of the agreement.
Meanwhile, the counterproposals envisage a "gradual easing of sanctions once a lasting peace is achieved," with the possibility of reimposing them if Russia violates the terms of the agreement.
The European-Ukrainian document also anticipates compensation payments to Ukraine for war damages from funds derived from Russian assets frozen abroad. Witkoff's text mentions financial compensation for Ukraine but does not specify the source of the funds.
