Washington is awaiting Ukraine’s response today regarding a peace framework that includes U.S. recognition of Crimea as Russian territory and informal acceptance of Russian control over areas occupied since 2022, according to information revealed by Axios.

The one-page document was presented to Ukrainian officials in Paris last week and is described as President Trump’s “final offer.” The White House states it is ready to withdraw from the negotiations if an agreement isn’t reached soon.

The proposal demands significant concessions from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has previously rejected any recognition of Russian occupation of Crimea and other parts of eastern Ukraine.

Although Vladimir Putin is reportedly willing to “freeze” the current frontlines, he has rejected other parts of the U.S. framework, such as the presence of a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine.

A source close to the Ukrainian government described the proposal as heavily favorable to Russia: “It clearly outlines Russia’s gains, while Ukraine is addressed with vague generalities.”

What Russia and Ukraine Would Gain According to Trump’s Proposal

Russia would receive:

• Official U.S. recognition of its sovereignty over Crimea.
• Informal recognition of its occupation of nearly all of Luhansk region and occupied areas of Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.
• A promise that Ukraine will not join NATO. EU membership would remain possible.
• Lifting of sanctions imposed since 2014.
• Increased economic cooperation with the U.S., especially in energy and industry.

Ukraine would receive:

• A security guarantee from a group of European (and possibly non-European) countries – the role of the U.S. is not clarified.
• The return of a small area in Kharkiv region currently held by Russia.
• Free navigation on the Dnipro River, which divides the frontlines in southern Ukraine.
• Compensation and reconstruction aid – without specifying the source of funding.

Other Points in the Plan – The Role of the U.S. and Putin

The plan states that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant will be recognized as Ukrainian, but operated by the U.S., with electricity shared between Ukraine and Russia.

It also mentions a U.S.-Ukraine agreement on mineral resources, which Trump plans to sign on Thursday.

The framework was drafted after a four-hour meeting between Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Putin. After presenting the proposal, Putin suggested suspending military operations along current lines as a gesture toward peace. European officials, however, remain skeptical.

Next Steps and Negotiation Developments

Witkoff is scheduled to return to Moscow this week for a fourth meeting with Putin. However, neither he nor Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend the talks in London on Wednesday, as originally planned.

Leading the U.S. delegation instead will be Keith Kellogg, who will present the plan during talks with Ukrainian, French, German, and British officials.

A U.S. source said Washington and Ukraine are now discussing a 30-day ceasefire, rather than a full peace agreement based on Trump’s plan.

Rubio tweeted that he had a “productive” conversation with his British counterpart and looks forward to continuing discussions after London.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated: “Negotiations are ongoing, and we hope we’re moving in the right direction.”