Reuters: US peace proposals to end Russia-Ukraine war unveiled
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A leaked US proposal offers ceasefire terms to end the war in Ukraine, including territorial recognition for Russia, security guarantees for Ukraine, and lifting of sanctions, as the war reshapes global geopolitics.
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US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, 2nd left, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, 3rd left, Germany national security advisor Jens Plotner, 5th left, meet with France's Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, right, Ukrainian Head of Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, 2nd right, French President diplomatic advisor Emmanuel Bonne, 3rd right, Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, 4th right, and UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell at the Elysee Palace in Paris, on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Ludovic Marin, Pool Photo via AP)
A confidential document detailing US proposals to end the war in Ukraine was presented by US special envoy Steve Witkoff to European officials during talks in Paris on April 17. Described as Washington’s final offer, the text, published by Reuters, outlines terms for a permanent ceasefire, security guarantees for Ukraine, territorial recognition for Russia, and economic cooperation aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.
The proposals call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Both sides would engage in technical negotiations to implement the ceasefire terms. In exchange, Ukraine would receive robust security guarantees from a group of European states, alongside willing non-European countries. However, under the deal, Ukraine would agree not to seek NATO membership, though it would remain free to pursue membership in the European Union.
The peace plan includes significant territorial provisions. The United States would provide de jure recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014. Additionally, the US would offer de facto recognition of Russian control over parts of Luhansk, Zaporozhye, Donetsk, and Kherson. Meanwhile, Ukraine would regain territory in Kharkiv Oblast.
Control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant would be handed over to the US administration, with power from the facility distributed to both Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine would also regain control over the Kakhovka Dam and enjoy unhindered navigation along the Dnieper River, including authority over the Kinburn Spit.
Economic cooperation and sanctions relief
Economically, the proposals envision close cooperation between the US and Ukraine, particularly in minerals and other strategic sectors.
Ukraine would receive full financial compensation and support for reconstruction. Furthermore, sanctions imposed on Russia since 2014 as a result of the conflict would be lifted, and the US would resume economic cooperation with Russia, especially in energy and related industries.
Both Moscow and Kiev have yet to respond formally to the offer.
The war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has resulted in significant territorial battles, widespread destruction, and a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of civilian casualties and millions displaced.
Western nations, led by the US and the EU, have supported Ukraine with lethal weapons and draconian sanctions on Russia, while diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire have repeatedly stalled. The war has reshaped global geopolitics, strained economies, and fueled broader tensions between Russia and NATO-aligned countries.
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