Ukraine - EU ceasefire proposal includes US security guarantees, and no recognition of Crimea

A Ukrainian-European peace proposal submitted to the U.S. includes strong security guarantees, such as a U.S.-backed "Article 5-like" agreement, and states that talks on territorial concessions will only begin after a full ceasefire on land, sea, and air.

The document, obtained by Reuters, highlights differences between the U.S. and its allies. While the Trump administration has declined to offer Kyiv security guarantees and has considered recognizing Russian control of Crimea, the proposal insists on no territorial discussions until after a ceasefire.

It also demands that sanctions on Russia be lifted only after lasting peace is achieved, the return of deported Ukrainian children, and full compensation for Ukraine — potentially using frozen Russian assets.

Allies are increasingly concerned about the U.S. approach, fearing it could set a precedent for forced territorial loss. Talks in London on April 23 reportedly narrowed some gaps, though territorial issues remain a major sticking point.

Russian strike on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast killed 2 adults and a child and injured 14 people

Russian drone attacks on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast during the night of April 24–25 caused widespread fires and destruction. In Pavlohrad, three people were killed, including a 15-year-old girl, and 14 others were injured — among them three children aged 6, 15, and 17.

Fires broke out in several areas, including industrial sites in Synelnykove and Samar districts, and a residential high-rise in Pavlohrad. Officials reported that five people remain hospitalized, three in serious condition. Many of the injured suffered from smoke inhalation, head injuries, and fractures.

North Korean missile used in deadly Russian strike on Kyiv - Zelensky

At least 12 people were killed and 90 injured, including six children, in a large-scale Russian missile and drone strike on Kyiv overnight on April 24. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the missile that hit a residential building was likely a North Korean-made KN-23 ballistic missile, based on preliminary data.

Zelensky condemned the growing military alliance between Russia and North Korea, calling it criminal. He said both countries were using their partnership to develop deadly technologies and attack civilians.

Ukraine estimates that over 11,000 North Korean troops are supporting Russia, mainly in Kursk Oblast, and that Pyongyang has earned over $20 billion from arms sales and manpower contributions since August 2023. The KN-23 missile is reportedly more powerful than its Russian counterpart and may contain Western-made components.

Full text of Trump's draft of the peace proposal revealed by Reuters

On April 17 in Paris, Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy for U.S. President Donald Trump, presented a peace proposal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The draft, revealed by Reuters, includes U.S. recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea and parts of Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Kherson oblasts.

The plan offers Ukraine security guarantees and EU membership but excludes NATO accession. Ukraine would regain control of Kharkiv Oblast, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the Kakhovka Dam, the Kinburn Spit, and full access to the Dnipro River.

Economically, the proposal suggests renewed U.S. financial aid for Ukraine’s recovery, U.S.-Ukraine economic cooperation, and the lifting of sanctions on Russia, with potential U.S.-Russia collaboration in energy and industry.