The strategy of US President Donald Trump includes cementing Russia's control over annexed Ukrainian territories. According to The Times, this condition is vital for maintaining Washington's support for Ukraine.

Source: The Times, citing an informant close to US special envoy Steve Witkoff.

It is noted that Trump believes the Ukrainian president has "virtually no alternative" but to accept the proposed plan. He threatens to withdraw from peace talks by next week if no agreement is reached.

The US proposal presented by Witkoff to Moscow and Kyiv includes recognition of Russia's control over Crimea and de facto acknowledgment of Russian influence over parts of southern and eastern Ukraine seized after the 2022 invasion.

A competing European proposal suggests that the issue of territorial control will only be addressed after a ceasefire is achieved.

"Trump's view is that these lands are lost, and the agreement stipulates that the occupied territories will remain under Russian control. There will be no retreat. This clause is final," the informant reported.

The source further stated that the US believes that if Ukraine rejects this agreement, the war could extend for months or even years, leaving Kyiv dependent on European financial and military support.

"Cuts to US funding will have the same effect as reduced weapon supplies this year, as Ukraine uses these funds to purchase weapons from other allies," the informant added.

When asked whether this is a "take it or leave it" situation, the source replied that the US sees it as a "take it or take it" scenario.

American officials also believe that public opinion in Europe may shift against large expenditures to support Ukraine, especially amid potential recession in the EU, partly caused by tariffs imposed by Trump.

After three hours of talks between Witkoff and Putin in Moscow on April 25, Russian President's aide for international affairs Yuri Ushakov described the talks as constructive.

"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 that "Crimea will remain with Russia" and again blamed Kyiv for provoking the invasion.