US Pushes Ukraine Peace Deal as Europe, Kyiv Resist Concessions

Major powers are scrambling to forge a unified peace plan for Ukraine. According to a senior French official, the US, European nations, and Ukraine are still negotiating. The goal is a common position to present to Russia. Talks are ongoing this week.

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

The effort aims to outline a potential end to the war. It focuses on security guarantees for Kyiv. A joint document has not yet been finalized. All sides continue discussions through calls and meetings.

Details of the Negotiating Divide Emerge

Kyiv faces strong pressure from the White House. The US wants a quick peace agreement. However, Ukraine is pushing back against a US-backed proposal.

That plan was floated last month. European officials view it as too favorable to Moscow. The proposal involved Ukraine ceding occupied territory. It also suggested abandoning NATO membership ambitions.

Britain, France, and Germany are working to refine the US ideas. They are negotiating with other European partners and Ukraine. The French official confirmed the talks are intense. They aim to narrow significant differences with Washington.

Security Guarantees and European Concerns

Discussions now center on two critical issues. The first is the status of Ukrainian territory. The second involves future security assurances for Ukraine.

One key idea is a NATO Article 5-type guarantee. This would involve a US commitment to defend Ukraine. The goal is to deter any future Russian aggression after a peace deal.

European nations have their own concerns. Some American suggestions impact NATO and the EU directly. This includes ideas about fast-tracking Ukraine’s EU membership. The French official stressed that Ukraine’s European path is a matter for Europe and Kyiv alone to decide.

The path to a lasting Ukraine peace deal remains fraught with difficulty. Major disagreements on territory and security persist between allies. A unified Western stance is crucial before any offer reaches Moscow.

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What is the US proposing for Ukraine peace?

The US has backed a plan for a quick settlement. It reportedly includes Ukraine ceding land and forgoing NATO membership. This has caused friction with European allies and Kyiv.

How are European countries responding?

Nations like France, Germany, and Britain are working to change the US plan. They are negotiating with Ukraine to create a stronger, unified counter-proposal that offers Kyiv better security guarantees.

What security is being discussed for Ukraine?

Talks include a potential security guarantee similar to NATO’s Article 5. This would involve a pledge, likely from the US, to defend Ukraine if it is attacked again after a peace deal.

What is Ukraine’s position on the talks?

Kyiv is resisting pressure to accept quick peace on unfavorable terms. Ukrainian officials are working closely with European partners to ensure any deal respects sovereignty and provides real, lasting security.

Is there a deadline for these negotiations?

The French official did not confirm a specific deadline. He stated all sides would continue negotiations in the coming days through various diplomatic channels to try and find common ground.