(upd 2) The developments in the Ukrainian issue are truly rapid, after the delivery of the ultimatum-plan by the USA to Kyiv for ending the war.
Europe, shocked by the fact that it is now fully isolated from USA-Russia, is seeking ways to react before the ultimatum of U.S. President Donald Trump to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky expires on 27 November 2025.
At the same time, Zelensky announced the composition of the delegation that will participate in the talks with the Americans and Europeans in Switzerland.
European leaders are considering traveling immediately to Washington for talks with Trump, according to Sky News.
“There are some discussions about whether European leaders, such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, can travel to Washington next week for talks with Trump to persuade him regarding the European and Ukrainian positions, as European leaders did last August after the U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska.
However, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will not be included in the mission traveling to the USA.
On 22 November, sources with knowledge of the matter revealed that the EU is seeking to buy time for Ukraine, in order for it to make adjustments to the U.S. President’s plan.
According to the Financial Times, Ukrainian officials criticized Trump’s plan, calling it unacceptable without corrections.
U.S.-EU-Ukraine negotiations in Switzerland
In a parallel development, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC), Rustem Umerov, announced via Telegram that consultations with the USA and the European Union are beginning.
This process is taking place in Switzerland, a country known for facilitating international negotiations.
“These days in Switzerland, with the participation of European partners, consultations between high-ranking officials of Ukraine and the United States begin regarding the possible parameters of the future peace agreement,” Umerov stated.
These negotiations focus on the framework of a potential agreement with Russia that would secure Ukraine’s interests and the fundamental values of its national sovereignty, he added.
Yermak heads the Ukrainian delegation
Volodymyr Zelensky appointed his close associate Andrey Yermak as head of the Ukrainian delegation in the talks with the USA and EU in Switzerland.
According to the decree of the Ukrainian president, Yermak, besides leading the talks with the USA and possibly with a Russian delegation, will also have the authority to modify the composition of the delegation in agreement with Zelensky himself.
The Ukrainian delegation, apart from Yermak, includes some of the most important figures of the Ukrainian government, demonstrating Kyiv’s seriousness and readiness to conduct negotiations with the required strength and determination.
Umerov is also part of the mission.
Another member will be Kirill Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine (GUR), who is registered in the list of “terrorists and extremists” by Russia.
Additionally, participating are Andrei Gnatov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and Sergei Kislitsha, First Deputy Foreign Minister.
Europe in shock
European leaders, while still supportive of Ukraine, are in a difficult position.
Behind the scenes, the European Union is trying to find ways to soften Trump’s demands and negotiate more favorable terms for Ukraine.
Before traveling to the USA, European leaders such as Macron and Meloni are approaching Washington with the goal of relaxing the pressure exerted on Ukraine and convincing Trump of the need for a more progressive approach.
Diplomatic tension is evident, as Europeans view Trump’s plan as a way of forcing Ukraine to capitulate to Russia.
In particular, the comments of American officials, such as Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, who stated that Ukraine is in a “very difficult situation” and that it is time for “peace,” worry European diplomats, who see this as a “betrayal” of Ukraine and its sacrifices.
“Let’s finish this now,” the Americans insist
What makes Trump’s plan so disruptive is its approach regarding speed and the strictness of the terms imposed on Ukraine.
The USA, according to American officials who participated in meetings with European diplomats in Kyiv, state clearly that the possibilities for negotiation on a peaceful resolution are limited and that support for Ukraine “has limits.”
American officials including Driscoll and Julie Davis of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv emphasized that despite supporting Kyiv in continuing the war, Ukraine will not be able to avoid a forced agreement with Russia, either immediately or at some future moment.
Trump insists that “now is the time for peace” and argues that the USA “will not show much flexibility” in the negotiations.
As Driscoll stated, “We need to finish this sh….”
This phrase and the U.S. stance reflect the clarity of their strategy: peace must come now, and under the terms proposed by the USA, without delays.
“Disgust… Trump leaves us at the mercy of Putin”
The reaction of European diplomats and leaders was intense and critical.
Europeans interpreted the American proposals as a form of “ceasefire on Moscow’s terms,” expressing concern about how Ukraine is being diplomatically handled.
Some European officials described an atmosphere of “disgust” during the meeting, feeling that U.S. demands essentially force Ukraine to accept Russia’s terms, ignoring the interests and sacrifices of the Ukrainians.
This approach from the USA is a serious challenge for European leaders, who recognize that Ukraine is strategically important for Europe’s security and political stability.
The threat of a “forced” end to the war under Trump’s terms has intensified the EU’s efforts to influence American policy.
France, Italy, and the European Commission are trying to convince Trump to soften his conditions, so that there can be a less damaging agreement for Ukraine.
“Trump is leaving us at the mercy of Putin,” European diplomats say characteristically.
Trump uses America’s power for a quick resolution
What Trump’s plan seems to offer is not merely the necessity of peace, but the acceptance of America’s powerful position on the global political stage.
The U.S. President argues that Russia has a strong industrial base and that Ukraine is in an extremely difficult strategic position.
According to him, Kyiv “must agree to Russia’s terms” or continue the war, something that he says could be damaging for both sides.
In reality, Trump appears to consider the need for a quick agreement as decisive for the future security of the USA and its allies.
His views are echoed by his Vice President J.D. Vance, who repeats that only “smart people who live in the real world” will achieve peace in Ukraine, emphasizing that endless sanctions and continued military aid will not lead to victory.
Russia will fulfill the goals of its special military operation in Ukraine
Trump’s plan for peace in Ukraine will not succeed for the simple reason that it will not be implemented.
Russia, from the start of the Special Military Operation on 24/2/2022, set specific conditions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin considers Ukraine a critical geopolitical battlefield and aims to fulfill his strategic goals, which go far beyond the mere seizure of territory.
Russia declared from the beginning that its goals in Ukraine are not limited to restoring territorial integrity or preventing NATO’s expansion in the region.
It seeks a deeper geopolitical and strategic reconfiguration of Europe and Central Asia, ensuring its influence in regions it considers vital for its security and global power.
Moscow’s strategy includes eliminating Ukrainian strategic and political choices tied to the West, such as NATO membership and “European integration,” which Trump’s plan does not eliminate.
Putin has repeatedly stated that Ukraine as an independent state is a “fabricated” reality, which constitutes a threat to the Russian sphere of influence.
Russia: No retreat from our strategic goals
Although Trump’s peace plan offers a potential end to the war, Russia sees the West’s effort to impose terms as an opportunity to strengthen its position in global politics.
Trump’s approach, which essentially seeks an agreement “based on Ukraine’s needs” and without substantial guarantees for Russia, may reinforce Moscow’s determination to continue the conflict.
Russia considers that accepting such a plan would be a defeat that could undermine its security and reduce its influence in the region.
Thus, it continues to pursue its goals, including maintaining and strengthening its strategic security belt around its borders, something that requires the full subjugation of Ukraine to the Russian sphere of influence, or even the dissolution of Ukrainian sovereignty.
Moscow remains focused on achieving victories on the battlefield.
Despite sanctions and international pressure, Russia is determined.
Strengthening its control in occupied territories and strategic moves in regions like Crimea and Donbass show that Moscow prioritizes destabilizing Ukraine and expanding Russian influence.
The Kremlin’s position is clear: Russia will not retreat from its strategic goals under pressure from a peace agreement that ignores its demands.
The Russian leadership believes that continuing the conflict is necessary for Russia’s survival as a global power, with Ukraine remaining a central part of this geopolitical puzzle.
The war will continue into 2026
Regardless of political pressure by the West and attempts for a peaceful resolution via Trump’s plan, Russia is determined to achieve its strategic goals.
Its recognition of Ukraine’s geopolitical importance and the need for continued strategic pressure make it impossible for Moscow to accept a compromise that endangers its interests.
Therefore, the war in Ukraine is not expected to end soon, despite the West’s alleged peace attempts.
On the contrary, Russia appears to be preparing for a prolonged confrontation, aiming to impose its strategic goals, even if this means continued military conflict and further isolation of Ukraine from the West.
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