The U.S. demands Russia accept Ukraine’s right to military force as Trump claims peace negotiations are nearing completion, while President Zelenskyy insists on an unconditional ceasefire.
At a Glance
- President Trump claims Russia and Ukraine are “very close to a deal” following talks between his envoy Steve Witkoff and President Putin
- The U.S. will demand Russia accept Ukraine’s right to develop its own army and defense industry, countering Russia’s insistence on demilitarization
- Return of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to Ukrainian control with possible U.S. oversight is among key demands
- President Zelenskyy remains firm that “only the Ukrainian people have the right to decide which territories are Ukrainian”
- Russia currently controls nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory, with Trump suggesting some territorial concessions may be necessary
Progress in Peace Negotiations
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced significant progress in Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations following talks between his special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Trump described the discussions as a “good day” while the Kremlin termed them “constructive.” According to Trump, most major points have already been agreed upon, and he has urged both nations to meet at high levels to finalize the deal that could end the three-year conflict.
The diplomatic push comes as Russia continues to control nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory following its 2022 invasion. Trump has expressed optimism about the negotiations, citing the urgent need to stop the high weekly casualties reported to be around 5,000 soldiers. When asked what concessions Russia has offered, Trump stated, “Stopping the war, stopping taking the whole country — pretty big concession.”
⚡️US to back Ukraine's right to maintain sufficient army in talks with Russia, Bloomberg reports.
The United States will demand that Russia recognize Ukraine's sovereign right to maintain adequately equipped armed forces and a defense industry as part of any peace agreement,…
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) April 24, 2025
U.S. Demands for Ukraine’s Military Rights
A significant aspect of the U.S. negotiating position is the demand that Russia accept Ukraine’s right to develop its own adequately equipped army and defense industry. This directly challenges Russia’s long-standing insistence that Ukraine largely demilitarize as a condition to end the war. Special Envoy Witkoff is expected to press this point during talks with Putin, signaling the U.S. commitment to Ukraine maintaining defensive capabilities even after a peace agreement.
Another critical issue is the return of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to Ukrainian control, with proposals for U.S. oversight in the interim. Additional American demands include secure passage across the Dnipro River and restoring Russian-occupied portions of Kharkiv Oblast to Ukraine. The U.S. has also suggested providing security guarantees for Ukraine and proposing the lifting of sanctions on Russia if a comprehensive deal is reached.
Ukrainian Position and Territorial Disputes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has maintained a firm stance, insisting on real pressure on Russia for an unconditional ceasefire before discussing territorial issues. Zelensky has repeatedly emphasized Ukrainian sovereignty, stating, “Our position is unchanged – only the Ukrainian people have the right to decide which territories are Ukrainian.” He has also characterized any territorial concessions as a violation of Ukraine’s constitution.
Reports suggest the U.S. peace plan may allow Russia to keep annexed territories and exclude Ukraine from NATO membership – positions that differ significantly from European and Ukrainian counter-proposals. Trump has particularly supported Russia keeping Crimea, which was annexed in 2014, stating that Ukraine currently lacks sufficient weapons to regain control of the peninsula. Zelenskyy has acknowledged this military reality while maintaining Ukraine’s legal claim to all its territories.
Ongoing Hostilities Amid Peace Talks
Despite the diplomatic efforts, military actions continue on both sides. Trump recently criticized Russia for airstrikes on Kyiv, calling them “not necessary” and “very bad timing” amid peace negotiations. In a social media post, Trump directly addressed the Russian president: “Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” Zelensky has accused Russia of rejecting a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire and using imported missiles in attacks, including a deadly strike on Kyiv.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Thursday.
Further complicating the situation, a senior Russian general was killed in a car bomb in Moscow, with the Kremlin blaming Ukraine for the attack. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov acknowledged progress in negotiations but noted that specific elements of the deal still “need to be fine-tuned.” The ongoing violence threatens to derail the fragile peace process even as diplomats work toward a resolution of the conflict that has devastated Ukraine and strained international relations for over three years.
