The Trump administration’s efforts to negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine are being hindered by fundamental disagreements between Russia and Ukraine over what should be included in the negotiations. The two countries have different visions for how to address the ongoing conflict, with significant differences in terms of territory.
Russia claims control over four regions that were annexed in 2014, which it declared martial law in last October. These regions include Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Lviv, as well as parts of Luhansk and Dnipro. Russia also controls Crimea, which was annexed in 2014.
Ukraine, on the other hand, claims control over its entire territory, including these disputed regions. Ukraine has accused Russia of launching an invasion since February 2022, which it says has resulted in significant territorial losses.
The US is seeking to resolve the conflict through peace negotiations, but progress is being hindered by the lack of agreement between Russia and Ukraine on what should be included in the talks. The two countries have offered different maps showing their competing visions for peace, with Russia’s map highlighting its claims over the annexed regions and Ukraine’s map showing its territorial claims.
The US has sought to engage both sides in dialogue, but the lack of trust and communication between Russia and Ukraine makes it difficult to reach an agreement. The conflict has resulted in significant human suffering and economic losses for both countries.
The Trump administration is under pressure to find a solution to the crisis, but the lack of progress so far suggests that negotiations may be challenging.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/02/14/ukraine-maps-demands-russia-negotiations