Senior Ukrainian officials have made explosive claims that associates of former US President Donald Trump presented them with a stark ultimatum: agree to a peace plan favouring Russia or face a complete cut-off of American military aid if Trump wins a second term.
The alleged proposal, delivered unofficially at a meeting in May, demanded that Ukraine cede all occupied territory—including Crimea and the Donbas—to Moscow in exchange for a ceasefire. Crucially, this plan was reportedly formulated in direct coordination with the Kremlin, sidelining the Ukrainian government entirely from the negotiation process.
A Dire Warning from Kyiv
Sources within President Volodymyr Zelensky's administration have expressed profound alarm. They describe the proposition as a "primitive ultimatum" that would effectively force Ukraine to surrender its sovereignty and reward Russian aggression. The message from Trump's circle was reportedly blunt: accept the deal or be left to face Russia alone.
This revelation has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, raising serious questions about the potential future of US foreign policy and its commitment to its allies. The alleged plan stands in direct opposition to the current Biden administration's stance of unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity.
The Kremlin's Preferred Outcome
Analysts suggest the proposal aligns perfectly with the long-standing objectives of Vladimir Putin. A negotiated settlement that formalises Russian territorial gains would be portrayed as a major victory for the Kremlin, potentially destabilising the region for decades to come.
The news has ignited a fierce debate on the international stage, with European leaders watching nervously. The prospect of a major shift in US support could fundamentally alter the balance of power in Eastern Europe and embolden other adversarial regimes.
What This Means for the Future
These allegations highlight the high-stakes geopolitical gamble surrounding the upcoming US presidential election. For Ukraine, the difference between a second Trump term and a second Biden term could not be more stark—it may represent the difference between continued resistance and forced capitulation.
The Ukrainian government has publicly stated its commitment to its own peace formula, which demands a full Russian withdrawal. However, these new claims suggest a brutal political reality may be on the horizon, where geopolitical pragmatism could override principles of sovereignty and international law.
