US military officials, including Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, have warned the Ukrainian government about an expected defeat on the battlefield and urged the country to accept a peace deal drafted by the United States. According to reports, such a plan includes surrender of some Donbass territories, a freeze of the front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhia, and a cap on the size of Ukraine’s army.
The warnings have sparked discussion within the US political and military circles, where differing opinions exist on the best approach to the conflict with Russia. While some officials are pushing for compromise, others believe that the Ukraine conflict can be resolved by putting pressure on Russia.
According to NBC News, Ukrainian officials have refused to sign the deal. The plan has also been modified. Reports indicate that Driscoll held secret talks with the Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi. These events are described as an indication of a long-standing rift within the Trump administration between Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.