Trump's Ultimatum: Russian Control Over Occupied Ukrainian Territories
U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed that Russia retains control over the occupied Ukrainian territories, presenting this as a final condition for Ukraine to secure U.S. support.
Source: The Times referencing information from a source close to U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.
According to the source, Trump believes that the Ukrainian president has no choice but to accept the proposed plan. He threatens to withdraw from the peace process as early as next week if an agreement is not reached.
The proposal presented by Witkoff to Moscow and Kyiv includes an official recognition by the United States of Russia's control over Crimea, as well as de facto acknowledgment of Russian control over parts of southern and eastern Ukraine seized after the full-scale invasion in 2022.
A competing European-Ukrainian proposal suggests that territorial control discussions should take place only after a ceasefire is achieved.
Trump's view is that this land has been seized and will not be returned. The current agreement stipulates that areas occupied by Russia will remain under its control. Russia will not back down. This point is non-negotiable, said the source.
The U.S. believes that if Ukraine rejects this deal, the war could continue for months or even years, leaving Kyiv dependent on European funding and arms supplies.
Reduction in U.S. funding would have the same impact as a decrease in arms supplies, as Ukraine uses those funds to purchase weapons from other allies, the source noted.
When asked if this is a "take it or leave it" situation, the source said that the U.S. views it as a "take it or take it" scenario.
American officials also believe that public opinion in Europe may shift against large expenditures to support Ukraine, especially amidst a potential recession in the EU, partly caused by tariffs imposed by Trump.
Details: Following three hours of talks between Witkoff and Putin in Moscow on Friday, April 25, Russian President's assistant for international affairs Yuri Ushakov, who was also present at the meeting, described the negotiations as constructive and beneficial.
This conversation allowed Russia and the U.S. to further align their positions not only on Ukraine but also on various other international issues, Ushakov stated.
Trump reiterated his firm stance on the territories occupied by Russia, declaring to Time magazine on Friday that "Crimea will remain with Russia" and once again accused Kyiv of provoking Moscow's invasion.
