Trump Sets Ultimatum Over Occupied Ukraine Territories

Samuel Longoli
4 Min Read

The plan of United States President Donald Trump to allow Russia to keep occupied territories in Ukraine is reportedly finalised and non negotiable, The Times reports. According to sources close to Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, the American president believes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has no real choice but to sign the proposed deal. Trump is threatening to withdraw from the peace process as early as next week if no agreement is reached.

Trump’s plan, submitted by Witkoff to Moscow and Kyiv, includes official United States recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea, annexed illegally in 2014, as well as effective recognition of Russian control over southern and eastern parts of Ukraine seized after the full scale invasion of 2022. In contrast, the European and Ukrainian counterproposals insist that control over these territories must be resolved through future negotiations following a ceasefire.




CNN has reported that the main points of disagreement between Washington and Kyiv centre around the definition of Ukrainian victory and the framework for post war security guarantees. United States officials privately claim Ukraine is unlikely to recover all its lost territory, including Crimea, and that pushing for it risks a broader conflict. Ukrainian officials firmly reject this view, insisting that giving up territory would leave Ukraine permanently vulnerable to further Russian aggression.




The Biden administration has been reluctant to offer Ukraine NATO style security guarantees, fearing escalation with Russia. Instead, it is offering ongoing military aid. These differences have created tension but have not broken the partnership between Kyiv and Washington. Ukrainian officials continue to express appreciation for American support while making clear that Ukraine alone will decide its future.




A source close to Witkoff said Trump sees no point in negotiations over Crimea or occupied territories, believing that the land has been captured and will not be returned. “The agreement on the table is that the territory occupied by Russia will remain occupied. Russia will not be pulled out. This part is carved in stone,” the source said.

The United States reportedly believes that if Ukraine rejects the deal, the war could continue for months or even years. Washington officials warned that Europe, already facing recession partly due to Trump’s tariff policies, may tire of funding Ukraine. They argue that ending United States financial support would severely impact Kyiv’s ability to buy weapons from allies.

British and French officials have tried to persuade Trump to meet Zelenskyy in Rome after the funeral of Pope Francis, hoping to ease tensions. However, Italian officials suggested such a meeting could be seen as inappropriate.




Trump’s hardline stance was on display in a recent interview with Time magazine, where he claimed “Crimea will remain with Russia” and again blamed Ukraine for provoking the invasion, repeating Kremlin talking points. However, The Times notes that Trump may still avoid formal United States recognition of Crimea at this stage.

In contrast, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Maryana Betsa reiterated Ukraine’s unyielding position, stating on Times Radio, “Crimea is Ukraine. We will never recognise Russia’s attempted annexation.” Former Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander Valeriy Zaluzhny, now Ambassador to the United Kingdom, declared that Russia must suffer a total defeat for peace to come. “Only the complete destruction of Russia’s ability to wage war can put an end to this,” Zaluzhny said at the British Ukrainian Defence Technology Forum in London.

Ukraine’s leaders remain firm that no deal legitimising Russia’s aggression will ever be accepted, no matter the international pressure.




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Samuel Longoli is a distinguished news writer contributing to the journalistic endeavors of NS Media and The Ankole Times.
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