US President Donald Trump seems optimistic that an agreement to end Russia’s war

US President Donald Trump seems optimistic that an agreement to end Russia's war in Ukraine could be just days away.

For Kyiv and its European allies, however, this sentiment increasingly sounds like an ultimatum to accept a subpar deal. Today's discussions in London involving senior officials from the US, Ukraine, and key European nations have been downgraded to technical-level talks following the postponement of Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit. US Vice President JD Vance, currently in India, informed reporters that Washington has made a "very explicit" proposal to both Russia and Ukraine, stating, "It's time for them to either agree or for the United States to withdraw from this process." Vance anticipated a cessation of hostilities mainly along existing front lines, with some "territorial swaps," though he did not provide further details. According to the White House, Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, will head to Moscow this week to continue discussions with President Vladimir Putin, although the Kremlin has yet to confirm a meeting with Witkoff.

At a protest in Washington on April 5, demonstrators wore masks resembling Vladimir Putin.



This situation is fueling perceptions in Kyiv and Europe that the US is advocating for a peace deal that largely concedes to Putin's demands, rewarding Russia's aggression and forcing Ukraine to accept harsh conditions or risk abandonment. Such terms may include a de-facto acknowledgment of Russia's control over occupied Crimea and large portions of eastern and southern Ukraine, Ukraine relinquishing its aspirations for NATO membership, and a lifting of sanctions on Russia. The danger for Europe is being left to enforce a problematic peace, with no guarantee of US military support to deter further Russian aggression against Ukraine. A deal reached under these circumstances would leave Putin in a position of strength. The US's acquiescence to the forced alteration of a nation's borders could also have lasting global ramifications for decades. — Tony Halpin