Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark ultimatum, declaring that Moscow will seize the contested Donbas region by military force unless Ukrainian troops withdraw voluntarily. The threat comes as a proposed peace plan championed by US President Donald Trump appears to falter, nearly four years after Russia's full-scale invasion began.
Trump's Stalled Peace Initiative
President Trump has been actively pushing for a resolution to the conflict since the war erupted. However, negotiations have hit a significant impasse, primarily over the critical issues of whether Ukraine must cede territory to Russia and how its future security can be guaranteed.
Speaking on Thursday, December 4, 2025, Putin revealed that the initial US proposal, comprising 28 points, had been revised. During five hours of tense talks this week, it was trimmed to 27 points and divided into four separate packages. Despite this diplomatic activity, the Russian leader remained uncompromising on his core objective.
"All this boils down to one thing: Either we take back these territories by force, or eventually Ukrainian troops withdraw," Putin stated. He added that discussing specific objections was "premature," as it might disrupt the negotiation framework Trump is attempting to establish.
European Skepticism and Ukrainian Resolve
While Putin publicly praised Trump's efforts, calling the achievement of consensus a difficult task, European leaders have grown wary. They have accused the Kremlin of merely feigning interest in the US-led peace drive, leaving European capitals sidelined as Washington engages directly with both Moscow and Kyiv.
In his nightly address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky countered Putin's statements, accusing him of seeking to prolong the war. "Our task now is to obtain full information about what was said in Russia and what other pretexts Putin has come up with to drag out the war and to pressure Ukraine," Zelensky said.
He emphasised that Ukraine is working constructively with partners to secure a "dignified peace" underpinned by real security guarantees. "Only a dignified peace provides real security, and we fully understand that this requires – and will continue to require – the support of our partners," Zelensky stressed, noting that new meetings on security assurances are scheduled for the coming week.
A Path Forward or Deepening Deadlock?
The public exchange underscores the profound chasm between the warring parties. Putin's explicit threat to use force to capture the entirety of the Donetsk region signals a hardening of Russia's position, even as diplomatic channels remain nominally open.
The failure to reach an agreement so far highlights the fundamental tensions:
- Russia's insistence on territorial gains.
- Ukraine's demand for sovereignty and enforceable security guarantees.
- The complex role of external mediators, including a US administration seeking a deal.
With Putin's latest declaration, the prospects for a swift diplomatic breakthrough appear dim, suggesting the brutal conflict may be poised to enter a new and dangerous phase.
