The strategy of US President Donald Trump involves maintaining Russian control over occupied Ukrainian territories – this is deemed the "final condition". According to The Times, this is an ultimatum for Kyiv: accept the terms or lose US support.

Source: The Times referencing an advisor to President Trump, Steve Witkoff.

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

The proposal presented by Witkoff to Moscow and Kyiv involves official US recognition of Russian control over Crimea, as well as de facto recognition of Russian control over parts of southern and eastern Ukraine captured during the full-scale invasion in 2022.

A competing European-Ukrainian proposal suggests that the issue of territorial control will only be discussed 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 retreat. This point is final," the source reported.

According to the source, the US believes that if Ukraine rejects this deal, the war will continue for months or even years, with Kyiv relying on funding and arms supply from Europe.

"A reduction in US funding will have the same effect as a decrease in arms supplies, as Ukraine uses these funds to purchase weapons from other allies," the source noted.

When asked if this was a "take it or leave it" situation, the source responded that the US sees it as a "take it or take it" scenario.

Literal quote: "US officials also believe that public opinion in Europe may change – against large expenditures to support Ukraine, especially in light of a potential recession in the EU, partially caused by tariffs imposed by Trump."

Details: After a three-hour meeting between Witkoff and Putin in Moscow on April 25, Russian presidential aide for international affairs Yuri Ushakov, who was also present at the meeting, described the talks as constructive and beneficial.

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

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