US Ultimatum in Critical Ukraine Peace Talks

High-stakes peace talks are underway in London to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, with the U.S., led by Vice President JD Vance, threatening to withdraw if its 'final offer' is rejected. The proposal includes U.S. recognition of Crimea as Russian, de facto acceptance of most Russian-occupied territories, Ukraine’s exclusion from NATO, and lifting sanctions on Russia, in exchange for security guarantees and reconstruction funding for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelensky and Deputy Prime Minister Svyrydenko have rejected the terms, citing constitutional violations and equating them to surrender. Russia has expressed openness to talks but demands Ukraine remain outside NATO, an end to Western military aid, and questions the existence of a concrete U.S. offer. The U.S. has downgraded its diplomatic presence, sending General Keith Kellogg instead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while Trump’s envoy is set for direct talks with Putin. Ukraine maintains it will not accept a frozen conflict or territorial losses, insisting on a full, unconditional ceasefire as the first step.