European Leaders Seek More Time for Ukraine Amid US Ultimatum

European leaders are urgently working to secure additional time for Ukraine to negotiate a new ceasefire framework with Russia. This effort comes after the Trump administration set a deadline of November 27, 2025, for Ukraine to accept a contentious 28-point plan. Senior US officials have characterized this ultimatum as a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict.

In response to US demands, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and various leaders from France and Germany are developing a strategy to modify the US proposal while maintaining the appearance of constructive engagement. Sources close to the discussions indicate a focus on how to effectively rewrite parts of the plan to make it more palatable for Ukraine.

The urgency of the situation prompted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to reach out directly to President Donald Trump for further talks, highlighting the importance of national security advisers in the upcoming discussions. While Marco Rubio, the current National Security Adviser, typically oversees such negotiations, the role might shift to Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll. Reports suggest that Driscoll recently briefed European ambassadors on the necessity of reaching a deal quickly, emphasizing Ukraine’s precarious position and the urgent need for peace.

Driscoll conveyed to diplomats that the US administration is keen on achieving a resolution. He indicated that President Trump expects a peace deal soon, reinforcing the administration’s demand for decisive action. In a recent statement, Trump suggested that if Ukraine fails to agree to the plan, he would be willing to disengage from the conflict entirely.

He remarked, “He’ll have to like it – and if he doesn’t like it, then, you know, they should just keep fighting, I guess,” underscoring a hardline stance. However, Trump also showed some flexibility regarding the deadline, stating in a Fox News Radio interview that while November 27 is the target date, extensions could be considered if progress is made.

As attention shifts to the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, European leaders are expected to strategize on their next steps. Rachel Rizzo, a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, expressed concerns that the US plan could undermine Europe’s unified stance on the issue. “What this plan potentially does is throw all that effort to the wind and create a scenario where Europeans really have to go back to the drawing board,” she stated.

The US-Russia proposal requires Ukraine to concede significant territorial claims, including the regions of Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk, which would be recognized as de facto Russian territories. Additionally, the plan stipulates that Ukraine must limit its military size and agree to hold elections within 100 days, while also relinquishing hopes of NATO membership.

Concerns have been raised that the US might withdraw military and intelligence support if Ukraine does not comply by the deadline. As the situation evolves, some European officials note that this is not the first time Zelenskiy has faced pressure from Trump. They argue that while conditions are challenging for Ukraine, it continues to launch counteroffensives against Russian forces.

The stakes are high, with many fearing that the very foundations of the transatlantic alliance and security order could be jeopardized if a resolution is not reached swiftly. As negotiations continue, the international community watches closely, aware that the outcome could reshape the geopolitical landscape in Europe and beyond.