President Donald Trump has introduced a new plan that stipulates Russia will maintain control over the occupied Ukrainian territories, which he deems "final." According to The Times, Kyiv faces an ultimatum: accept the terms or lose U.S. support.

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

According to the source, Trump believes the Ukrainian president "has no choice" but to agree to the proposed plan. He threatens to withdraw from the peace process if no agreement is reached by next week.

The American proposal presented by Witkoff involves officially recognizing Russia's control over Crimea and effectively acknowledging its control over parts of southern and eastern Ukraine captured after the full-scale invasion in 2022.

The competing European-Ukrainian proposal suggests that territorial control discussions will only occur after a ceasefire is achieved.

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

The U.S. believes that if Ukraine rejects this agreement, the war could extend for months or even years, leaving Kyiv dependent on funding and arms supplies from Europe.

"A reduction in U.S. funding will have the same effect as a decrease in arms supplies (this year - ed.), as Ukraine uses these funds to purchase weapons from other allies," the source noted.

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

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

After three hours of negotiations between Witkoff and Putin in Moscow on Friday, April 25, Russian Foreign Policy Assistant Yuri Ushakov, who was also present at the meeting, described the talks as constructive and beneficial.

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

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