The United States, Ukraine, and Russia are discussing several key issues in talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The main sticking points include energy infrastructure, nuclear power plants, Black Sea shipping, prisoner exchanges, NATO membership, post-war security, Western sanctions, elections, Russian-held territory, and Ukrainian minerals.
Energy Infrastructure:
The US has proposed a 30-day truce to stop attacks on each other’s energy facilities. However, both sides have reported continuing strikes on their energy infrastructure. President Vladimir Putin agreed to the proposal, but it fell short of a blanket 30-day truce that the US had sought and Ukraine had accepted.
Nuclear Power Plants:
The US suggested that it could help run and possibly own Ukraine’s nuclear power plants and energy infrastructure. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy denied that ownership was discussed with Trump. The Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia facility in Ukraine is a key topic of discussion.
Black Sea Shipping:
US and Russian officials held talks on a maritime ceasefire initiative proposed by US President Donald Trump. The initiative aims to allow Ukraine to use its port of Mykolaiv, among others, to export grain and other commodities.
Prisoner Exchanges:
Russia and Ukraine exchanged 175 prisoners of war each, as well as an additional 22 Ukrainian prisoners considered “severely wounded warriors.”
NATO Membership:
Putin has stated that he wants Ukraine to officially drop its ambitions to join NATO. However, the US has not ruled out potential NATO membership for Ukraine.
Post-War Security:
Ukraine is seeking to bolster its military and secure continued backing from Europe and the US as part of any peace deal. A plan to create a deterrent force of foreign troops, ships, and planes based in or around Ukraine is being pursued by Britain and France.
Western Sanctions, Elections:
Putin has said he wants Western sanctions on Russia eased and a presidential election to be held in Ukraine. Ukrainian legislation prohibits holding elections during martial law, and officials say it’s not Moscow’s place to dictate an election date.
Russian-Held Territory:
Russia wants to control all four partially-occupied eastern Ukrainian regions and the Crimean peninsula. Putin has called for the US to formally recognize these territories as part of Russia.
Ukrainian Minerals:
Kyiv and Washington are discussing a deal under which the US would get a financial return from the development of Ukrainian natural resources, particularly rare earths used in electronics manufacturing.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/what-are-issues-us-talks-with-ukraine-russia-2025-03-23