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The United States is considering a temporary ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia in exchange for easing sanctions on Moscow, according to a report by The Kyiv Independent.
The proposal is reportedly aimed at restarting stalled negotiations and achieving progress in U.S. foreign policy. However, sources familiar with the talks say the plan lacks a key demand from Kyiv — credible security guarantees to prevent Russia from resuming the war.
“They want Ukraine to agree to the maximum possible terms or at least not obstruct the process,” one source said.
The renewed diplomatic push followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a short ceasefire from May 9 to 11 in the Russia–Ukraine war, later seen as a window that could facilitate symbolic events in Moscow. Trump later suggested the truce should last longer, raising questions about what concessions the Kremlin might seek in return.
Despite several rounds of U.S.-mediated talks, major disagreements remain unresolved, particularly over Russian territorial demands. Sources say the main sticking points include control over Donbas, recognition of occupied territories including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, and sanctions relief.
“Broadly speaking, the Russians care about three things: Donbas, recognition of territories including ZNPP, and lifting sanctions. The Americans are, in principle, prepared to consider this,” one source said.
Sanctions relief has become a central priority for the Kremlin as prolonged restrictions increasingly strain the Russian economy. Some U.S. officials view limited easing as a potential lever to secure a temporary halt in hostilities.
However, Ukrainian officials warn that the emerging framework appears heavily skewed in Russia’s favor and risks offering Moscow significant concessions without equivalent guarantees for Kyiv.
One Ukrainian official said Washington has not committed to binding security guarantees and insists they can only be discussed as part of a final peace settlement. A U.S. official confirmed that such guarantees are difficult to implement while active fighting continues.
Ukrainian officials also argue that a ceasefire without enforcement mechanisms would allow Russia to regroup and rearm.
Meanwhile, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said new trilateral talks would be meaningless unless Ukraine first accepts Russia’s territorial demands.
According to Ukrainian sources, Washington may increase pressure on Kyiv as the White House seeks foreign policy results ahead of U.S. elections and amid growing instability in the Middle East.
Earlier, Trump described efforts to end the war as more difficult than expected, calling his dealings with Russian President Vladimir Putin particularly challenging, and suggesting that Moscow seeks full control over Ukraine.
