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The plan of U.S. President Donald Trump stipulates that Russia will maintain control over the occupied Ukrainian territories, and this condition is "final." According to The Times, this is an ultimatum for Kyiv: accept the terms or lose U.S. support.

Source: The Times, referencing information from U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

Details: According to the informant, Trump believes that the President of Ukraine "essentially has no choice" but to agree to the proposed plan. He threatens to withdraw from the peace process next week if no agreement is reached.

The U.S. proposal, presented by Witkoff to Moscow and Kyiv, includes formal recognition by the United States of Russia's control over Crimea and a de facto acknowledgment of Russian control over parts of southern and eastern Ukraine captured during the 2022 invasion.

The competing European-Ukrainian proposal suggests that territorial control issues will only be discussed after a ceasefire is reached.

"Trump's view is that this land has been seized and will not be returned. The current deal proposed is that the territories occupied by Russia will remain under its control. Russia will not back down, and this point is final," the source reported.

According to the source, the U.S. believes that if Ukraine rejects this deal, the war will continue for months or even years, with Kyiv relying on funding and arms supplies from Europe.

"A reduction in U.S. funding will have the same effect as a decrease in arms supplies, as Ukraine uses this money to purchase weapons from other allies," the informant noted.

When asked if this is a "take it or leave it" option, the source responded that the U.S. views the situation as a "take it or take it" scenario.

Direct quote: "American officials also believe that public opinion in Europe may shift against large expenditures to support Ukraine, especially in light of a potential recession in the EU, partly caused by tariffs imposed by Trump."

Details: After three hours of talks between Witkoff and Putin in Moscow on Friday, April 25, Russian President’s aide for international politics Yuri Ushakov, who was also present at the meeting, called the discussions constructive.

"This conversation allowed Russia and the U.S. to align their positions not only regarding Ukraine but also on a number of other international issues," Ushakov stated.

Trump reiterated his hardline stance on the territories occupied by Russia, telling Time magazine on Friday that "Crimea will remain with Russia" and again blamed Kyiv for provoking Moscow's invasion.