**US President Trump Gives Ultimatum to Ukraine and Russia: Advance Peace Talks or Face US Exit**
In a recent interview with Breitbart News, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Moscow and Kyiv to make progress in peace negotiations. According to Witkoff, if the two sides fail to meet quickly, the United States will abandon the process.
The ultimatum was given despite criticism of Witkoff’s poor negotiation record, his tendency to adopt Russian talking points on Ukraine, and his reliance on Kremlin translators during talks with Putin. Witkoff has been a key figure in Trump’s efforts to broker a peace between Moscow and Kyiv, personally meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Ukrainian and European officials.
The key topics for peace talks are the fate of five partially or fully occupied Ukrainian regions, including Crimea, which Russia has illegally declared part of the Russian Federation. Ukraine has urged an unconditional ceasefire starting on May 12, but Moscow has ignored this proposal.
Witkoff emphasized that a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin is “entirely possible” and that the two leaders are discussing the terms for such a meeting. The U.S. has reportedly proposed taking control of the Zaporizhzhia power plant while ensuring it provides electricity to both Ukraine and Russia.
**Criticism of Witkoff’s Meetings with Putin**
Witkoff defended his meetings with Putin, saying that there is no deal without the Russian leader’s sign-off. He claimed that the notion of not talking to Putin was somehow opposed by people, which he did not understand.
However, many have criticized Witkoff’s approach, pointing out that his reliance on Kremlin translators and his adoption of Russian talking points undermine Ukraine’s position in peace negotiations. The U.S. proposals have also sparked concern among Ukrainian lawmakers, with some describing them as “dangerous” and “cruel”.
**The Future of Peace Talks**
As the deadline for progress in peace talks approaches, it remains unclear whether Moscow and Kyiv will be able to meet Trump’s ultimatum. If they fail to do so, the U.S. may withdraw from the process, potentially leaving Ukraine vulnerable to further Russian aggression.
The fate of occupied territories like Crimea hangs in the balance, as Russia insists on Ukraine’s full withdrawal from these areas to achieve a peace deal. The U.S. proposal to take control of the Zaporizhzhia power plant has also sparked controversy, with many arguing that it would legitimize Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian territory.
Ultimately, the success of peace talks depends on both sides’ willingness to compromise and find common ground. If Trump’s ultimatum is not met, it may be unclear what the future holds for Ukraine and Russia – but one thing is certain: the stakes are high.
