Europe Tries to Extend Time for Ukraine Amid US Ultimatum

European leaders are racing against time to secure a new ceasefire framework for Ukraine following a firm ultimatum from the United States government. The Trump administration has set a deadline for Ukraine to respond to a contentious 28-point plan regarding peace negotiations with Russia by November 27, 2025. As the clock ticks down, key officials across Europe are exploring ways to address the demands while maintaining a united front.

Intense discussions among European leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and leaders from France and Germany, have focused on how to effectively amend the proposed plan while still presenting it as a constructive response. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the aim is to subtly rewrite significant portions of the document without appearing to reject it outright.

In an urgent move, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz contacted President Donald Trump to propose further discussions involving national security advisers in the coming days. Typically, this role would involve Marco Rubio, the current Secretary of State, but it may fall to Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll. Reports indicate Driscoll recently briefed European ambassadors on the necessity of reaching a deal swiftly, stating that Ukraine is in a precarious position and that now is the time for peace.

Driscoll’s message underscored that President Trump desires a resolution to the conflict. When pressed for details on the ultimatum, Trump adopted a hardline stance, suggesting that if Ukraine does not comply, the United States may distance itself from the ongoing conflict. 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.”

Despite the stern message, Trump hinted at potential flexibility regarding the deadline. In a Fox News Radio interview, he stated, “If things are working well, you tend to extend the deadlines,” suggesting that there may be room for negotiation if progress is evident.

Attention now shifts to the upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, where European leaders are expected to strategize their next moves. Rachel Rizzo, a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, noted that the US plan could undermine Europe’s efforts to maintain a cohesive stance, indicating that it may force leaders to return to the drawing board.

The US and Russian envoys’ proposal would obligate Ukraine to relinquish significant territories captured by Russia, limit its military capabilities, and gradually lift sanctions against Moscow. According to a copy of the plan seen by Bloomberg News, regions such as Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk would be recognized as de facto Russian territory, a move that has raised alarms among Ukrainian officials.

Ukraine would also be required to hold elections within 100 days, abandon its aspirations for NATO membership, and reduce the size of its armed forces. Reports suggest that the US has threatened to withdraw all military and intelligence support if Ukraine does not agree to the proposed deal by the deadline.

As the initial shock of the ultimatum begins to subside, some officials express skepticism about the likelihood of a successful outcome. They recall previous instances where President Trump issued demands, only to backtrack after resistance from Zelenskiy and European leaders. One European official, who chose to remain anonymous, highlighted that new US sanctions are set to take effect, yet Ukraine continues to target Russian positions effectively.

Others remain more pessimistic, warning that the foundations of the transatlantic alliance and global security may be at risk. With such high stakes, the outcome of these negotiations could reshape the geopolitical landscape in Europe and beyond.