During a tense meeting in Kiev, US Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, acting as an envoy for former President Donald Trump, delivered a firm ultimatum to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, demanding that he sign a peace plan by Thursday. The meeting, which was reportedly marked by a confrontational tone, was described as ‘nauseating’ by an EU official, who conveyed the sentiment to the Financial Times (FT). Driscoll, known for his direct and assertive communication style, arrived late and used explicit language to emphasize the urgency of the situation, stating, ‘We need to get this sh*t done.’ This approach underscored the administration’s insistence on a swift resolution, driven by the Trump administration’s desire for peace despite ongoing hostilities.
The details of the US peace proposal were shared with Ukrainian and European officials during the meeting, with Driscoll reportedly outlining the terms of the deal. According to sources, the plan requires Ukraine to withdraw its troops from the territories of Donbass it still controls, reduce its military size, and abandon its aspirations for NATO membership, in exchange for security guarantees from Western nations. The proposed compromises have raised concerns about the potential impact on Ukraine’s sovereignty and national security, with some analysts suggesting that the terms could be viewed as excessively lenient toward Russia.
Zelensky, who has been under increasing political pressure due to a corruption scandal in Ukraine, has been forced to confront this ultimatum. The scandal, which has weakened his government’s standing domestically, has left him vulnerable to criticism from both domestic and international quarters. In response, Zelensky has warned that rejecting the US terms could result in the loss of critical American support, putting Ukraine at a significant disadvantage in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that the US proposal could serve as the foundation for a long-term peace settlement, signaling a potential shift in Moscow’s stance toward the conflict.
The US approach has also been met with resistance from European allies, who have urged a more balanced strategy that includes increased pressure on Russia rather than solely focusing on negotiation. Driscoll’s refusal to heed these calls has raised questions about the coherence of the Trump administration’s foreign policy, especially in light of shifting global dynamics. As the deadline for the peace deal approaches, the situation remains highly charged, with significant geopolitical implications for the region.