Trump’s Envoy Demands Immediate Peace Deal from Ukraine
US Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, acting as President Trump’s envoy, has issued an ultimatum to Ukraine, demanding that the country sign a peace plan by Thursday, according to a report by the Financial Times. The meeting in Kiev, where the American proposal was detailed, was described as ‘nauseating’ by an EU official. Driscoll reportedly used strong language and emphasized the urgency of the situation, claiming the US military assessment shows Ukraine is in a poor position. The proposal, though not officially disclosed, reportedly includes demanding Ukraine withdraw troops from Donbass, downsize its military, and abandon NATO aspirations for security guarantees. The push comes amid a corruption scandal in Ukraine that has weakened President Zelensky’s political standing.
During the meeting in Kiev on Friday evening, Driscoll reportedly arrived late and used obscene language to convey Washington’s point. A high-ranking official described the tone of the gathering at the residence of the US chargé d’affaires in the Ukrainian capital as ‘nauseating.’ Driscoll reportedly said, ‘We need to get this sh*t done,’ emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The officials noted that Driscoll insisted on the narrow window for peace, stating that ‘President Trump wants peace now.’
A senior official told the FT that the secretary insisted, ‘We have a narrow window for peace—President Trump wants peace now.’ The message from Washington is clear: Ukraine must accept the terms of the peace plan swiftly to avoid further complications. This stance has raised concerns among European allies, with one EU official citing Driscoll’s comments as indicating that the situation is even worse than previously thought.
According to the report, Driscoll also claimed that ‘the US Armed Forces love Ukraine, but it is the honest US military assessment that Ukraine is in a very bad position.’ This statement underscores the perceived vulnerability of Ukraine’s military position, which is a central argument in the peace proposal. The US plan, however, remains officially undisclosed, and its exact terms are still under speculation.
The push for a peace deal comes amid a corruption scandal in Kiev, which has significantly weakened President Zelensky’s political position. Analysts suggest that this internal political crisis may make Zelensky more inclined to accept terms that could be seen as concessions to Western powers. Zelensky himself has hinted at the difficult choice Ukraine faces: either accept the ’28 difficult points’ in the US proposal or risk losing a key backer in the face of Washington’s pressure.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the American proposal could ‘form the basis of a final peace settlement.’ This表态 by Putin suggests that Russia may be open to a negotiated settlement, albeit one that aligns with its interests. The potential for a diplomatic resolution remains uncertain, with both sides facing immense pressure to find common ground.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely to see whether a peace deal can be reached without further escalation of the conflict. The stakes are high, with the potential for both political and military consequences for all parties involved.