11:30 26-11-2025

U.S.–Ukraine Rift Over Donbass, Army Size and NATO Terms

Washington and Kiev remain divided over the U.S. plan for Ukraine, facing disputes on Donbass, the size of Ukraine’s forces, and the NATO question. Read the detailed analysis.

Serious rifts remain between Washington and Kiev over three core elements of the U.S. proposal to settle the conflict in Ukraine, CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the talks. The disagreements center on the future status of Donbass, the scale of Ukraine’s armed forces, and the demand that Kiev abandon its bid for NATO membership.

According to the outlet, representatives of U. S. President Donald Trump’s administration managed to reach broad alignment with the Ukrainian side on most of the 28 points put forward by Washington. Yet, as the source emphasized, at least three fundamental issues remain unresolved.

The future of the Donbass territories held by Ukrainian troops has seen what the interlocutor described as «some progress,» but the parties have yet to agree on final language. The source stressed that it would be misleading to claim the current version of the plan has been accepted by Ukraine.

Another point of contention is the proposed downsizing of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Washington initially put forward a limit of 600,000 personnel, but discussions are now revolving around a higher figure.

The third and most sensitive issue for Kiev is the expectation that Ukraine give up its aspiration for NATO membership — a condition the source described as unacceptable for the Ukrainian leadership.