Ukraine Rejects Trump’s Peace Plan: Crimea and Security Guarantees at the Forefront

London, April 23, 2025 — In a decisive statement that underscores the complexities of the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, declared that her country will not recognize Crimea as part of Russia during negotiations aimed at resolving the war. Speaking ahead of a crucial meeting in London with U.S. and European representatives, Svyrydenko reiterated that Ukraine’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable.

The remarks come as Ukraine’s delegation, led by Andriy Yermak, Andriy Sybiha, and Rustem Umerov, prepares to engage in discussions organized by Great Britain and France. Svyrydenko emphasized that Kyiv’s position demands “mandatory security guarantees” should Ukraine choose not to join NATO, a direct challenge to the controversial “Trump Peace Plan” recently circulated in American media outlets like Axios and The Washington Post.

This proposed plan, which has drawn ire from Ukrainian officials, includes provisions for the U.S. to legally acknowledge Russia’s control over Crimea and unofficially recognize parts of the Donbas, Kherson, and Zaporizhia regions as Russian territory. In exchange, it suggests that Ukraine would renounce its aspirations for NATO membership, potentially paving the way for EU integration. Additional elements of the plan propose lifting sanctions against Russia, fostering economic cooperation, vague security assurances from European nations, and even establishing U.S. oversight of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant.

Vice President J.D. Vance has characterized the terms of the plan as “clear and fair,” but has also threatened to withdraw U.S. mediation if Ukraine does not acquiesce. However, reports indicate that neither Russia nor Ukraine has responded favorably to the proposal, adding to the tension surrounding the London discussions.

Svyrydenko firmly stated that acknowledging Crimea as Russian contradicts both Ukraine’s Constitution and international law. She asserted that any negotiations must start with a complete withdrawal of Russian forces and the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Her comments align with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s position, articulated just a day earlier, which categorically rejected the notion of recognizing Crimea as part of Russia.

The London talks, taking place at Lancaster House, are further complicated by the absence of key U.S. officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steven Witkoff have opted out, leaving the U.S. represented by Keith Kellogg, a move interpreted by some analysts as a sign that Washington is deprioritizing the negotiations. European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, are advocating for a “coalition of the willing” to provide security guarantees for Ukraine, though experts warn that such measures may fall short without robust U.S. support.

The Kremlin has issued its own statements amid these developments, asserting that Russia has no territorial ambitions regarding the Baltic states and claiming it seeks negotiations rather than conflict. Notably, the Kremlin remarked that Trump has not set a deadline for establishing a ceasefire in Ukraine, and Russia does not consider it appropriate to impose such deadlines either. They also indicated that preparatory work for a meeting between Trump and Putin is currently underway.

Zelensky has maintained that recognizing Crimea as Russian is unacceptable and detrimental to Ukraine’s sovereignty. In a statement that could further escalate tensions, President Donald Trump remarked that the situation for Ukraine is dire, suggesting that Zelensky must choose between accepting peace or prolonging the conflict at great cost. Trump urged Zelensky to consider the implications of his decisions on Ukraine’s future.