**Briefing on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict - April 25, 2025**
**Rejection of US Peace Plan:**
Ukraine and European nations have rejected the US-proposed peace plan for Ukraine, which they argue legitimizes Russian aggression by recognizing Crimea as part of Russia, lifting sanctions, and blocking Ukraine's NATO membership bid without offering adequate security guarantees.
**Commitment to Ceasefire and Negotiations:**
Ukraine and Europe are committed to a complete and unconditional ceasefire. They propose negotiations focused on technical implementation, involving the US and European countries, and monitored by the US with third-country support. Key demands include the return of deported and displaced Ukrainian children from Russia.
**Security Guarantees and Military Operations:**
Ukraine will receive security guarantees, notably from the US, until NATO membership is decided. There will be no restrictions on the Ukrainian Armed Forces or on the presence and operations of allied foreign forces within Ukraine.
**Territorial Control and Infrastructure:**
Post-ceasefire, territorial issues will be addressed, beginning with defining the line of control. Ukraine aims to regain control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the Kahovska Hydroelectric Power Station, and ensure unrestricted access along the Dnieper River and control over the Kinburn Spit.
**Economic Cooperation and Sanctions:**
An agreement between the US and Ukraine will focus on economic cooperation and resource extraction. Ukraine seeks full restoration and financial compensation, potentially from frozen Russian assets. US sanctions on Russia, imposed since 2014, may be eased following sustainable peace but will be reinstated if the peace agreement is violated.
**Military Updates:**
The messages also report on ongoing military operations, the introduction of new Ukrainian military equipment, and discussions about the involvement of the US and Russia in the conflict.
Summary:
- Ukraine and Europe have responded to the US peace plan for Ukraine, rejecting it as it legitimizes Russia's aggression, recognizes Crimea, lifts sanctions, and blocks Ukraine's NATO bid without offering security guarantees.
- The Ukrainian and European response includes a commitment to a complete and unconditional ceasefire, negotiations on technical implementation with the participation of the US and European countries, monitoring of the ceasefire by the US with the support of third countries, and the return of deported and illegally displaced Ukrainian children by Russia.
- Ukraine will receive reliable security guarantees, including from the US, until there is consensus among allies on Ukraine's NATO membership. There will be no restrictions on the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and the presence, armament, and operations of friendly foreign forces on Ukrainian territory will not be limited.
- The territorial issues will be discussed and resolved after a complete and unconditional ceasefire. Territorial negotiations will start with the definition of the line of control. Ukraine will regain control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant with the participation of the US and will also regain control of the Kahovska Hydroelectric Power Station. Ukraine will have unrestricted access along the Dnieper River and control over the Kinburn Spit.
- The US and Ukraine will implement an agreement on economic cooperation and resource extraction. Ukraine will be fully restored and receive financial compensation, including from frozen Russian sovereign assets until Russia compensates Ukraine for the damage. US sanctions imposed on Russia since 2014 may be gradually eased after achieving a sustainable peace and reinstated in case of a violation of the peace agreement.
- The messages also include updates on military operations, demonstrations of new Ukrainian military equipment, and discussions about the US and Russia's involvement in the conflict.