US President Donald Trump has added new dimensions to the ongoing discussion about the peace plan for the war in Ukraine, with his latest remarks altering the picture that had been formed until now. The American president clarified that the 28-point proposal he presented is not an ultimatum and is not absolute, as it was initially interpreted.

Responding to a related question from reporters outside the White House about whether his proposal is final, Trump made it clear: “No.” He added that “the war must end one way or another,” emphasizing the need for immediate progress toward an agreement.

When a journalist asked what would happen if Zelensky refused the agreement, Trump replied: “He can keep fighting with all his heart.”

The American president also repeated that if he had been president earlier, this war would never have started.

This statement significantly changes the atmosphere, as in previous days the prevailing belief was that Trump was placing a suffocating dilemma before Volodymyr Zelensky — a perception reinforced by Thursday’s ultimatum-like message, which suggested that U.S. support might hinge on accepting the plan.

The American president has requested a response from Kyiv by Thursday, reiterating that he wants the peace memorandum signed by the end of 2025.

What the agreement includes

The agreement being presented to Ukraine includes terms considered extremely difficult for Kyiv, such as ceding territories already controlled by Russia, as well as additional areas still under Ukrainian control. It also provides amnesty for all war crimes committed during the conflict.

In a televised address, Zelensky described the current moment as “one of the most difficult in our history,” stressing that the country faces a dilemma: “to lose its dignity or a key ally.”

Driscoll, a close friend of U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance, avoided clarifying whether the proposal matches a 28-page plan that had been published in the press. “Some things matter, others are just packaging — and we are focusing on what matters,” he reportedly said.

Why Europe was caught off guard

The announcement of the American initiative surprised many European allies, who had not been informed about the content or process of the negotiations. Concerns have been expressed that Russia has overly influenced the design of an agreement being presented to Ukrainians as a fait accompli. Driscoll defended this approach, saying that “President Trump wants peace now” and that “the more people involved, the harder it is for the process to move forward.”

Also present at the meeting was the U.S. chargé d’affaires in Kyiv, Julie Davis, who noted that although the terms are painful for Ukraine, the country “doesn’t have many options” and that “from here on, the deal can only get worse.” According to her, Trump aims for the agreement to be completed by Thanksgiving, following an “aggressive timeline.”

Senators, diplomats, and military officials in Ukraine have observed intense diplomatic activity in recent days, with Davis calling it “one of the most ambitious efforts” of her diplomatic career.

When asked why Kyiv should cede eastern territories that Russian forces have failed to capture for 11 years, an American official responded that the agreement “is in Ukraine’s interest.” He also suggested that Trump and Zelensky could meet and jointly sign the “peace document.”

The plan is said to have been drafted by Trump adviser Steve Witkoff and Kremlin adviser Kirill Dmitriev — a relationship serving as a communication channel between Washington and Moscow. Driscoll is expected to travel to Russia soon for talks.

Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Moscow has received a copy of the plan, noting that it “could serve as the basis for a final peaceful settlement.”