Trump gives Ukraine deadline until Thursday, territory would have to be ceded to Russia, Moscow ready for peace talks

(Patria) - US President Donald Trump has confirmed that his administration has set a deadline of next Thursday for Ukraine to agree to the White House's 28-point plan to end the war with Russia, CNN writes.

“I’ve had many deadlines, but if things are going well, you’re inclined to extend deadlines. But Thursday is the deadline,” the president said in a radio interview with Fox News.

The administration's plan, according to a draft seen by CNN, envisages Kyiv ceding territory to Russia, as well as US "de facto" recognition of Crimea and other Ukrainian territories forcibly occupied by the Kremlin. Ukraine would also be required to limit the size of its army.

Many of these ideas have already been rejected by Ukraine and European officials during previous negotiations, considering them significant concessions to Russia.

Trump was also asked by Fox News if he plans to lift the sanctions his administration imposed on Russia, to which he replied that he does not plan to.

“I’m not doing anything related to lifting sanctions,” the president added.

He said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not seeking a new war and is suffering punishment.

Russia also responded to this plan, not having officially received it yet, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow and Washington are not yet discussing details, but contacts are being maintained.

“There are certain ideas from the American side, but nothing substantial is being discussed at the moment. We are completely open, we maintain our openness to peace negotiations,” Peskov told reporters.

Peskov also emphasized that Russian advances on the battlefield are reducing the room for maneuver for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“The effectiveness of the Russian armed forces should convince Zelensky and his regime that it is better to negotiate, and to do so now. It is better to do it immediately than later. His decision-making space is shrinking as he loses territory during the offensive actions of the Russian armed forces,” Peskov said.

He added that continuing the war would be “senseless and dangerous” for Ukraine.