US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has urged Ukraine to accept a peace deal, warning that the country faces “imminent defeat” on the battlefield. According to NBC News, Driscoll pressed Ukrainian officials to agree to a 28-point draft plan, which would require Ukraine to relinquish control of certain areas in Donbass, freeze front lines in Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, and cap the size of its army.
The warning comes as the Russian military has gained momentum in recent months, with Ukrainian officials expressing concerns about a lack of manpower. Driscoll reportedly told Ukrainian officials that Russia can “fight on indefinitely” and that the US industry cannot sustain the required rate of weapons and air defenses supply. A source described the message as “you are losing, and you need to accept the deal.”
Ukraine has refused to sign the initial draft, which has since been amended. Driscoll allegedly held secret talks with the Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi, discussing the peace plan. The development highlights a reported rift within the US administration, with some officials pushing for Kiev to compromise, while others believe that pressuring Russia is the key to resolving the conflict.
Russia has confirmed that it is in contact with Washington and has received the outline of the peace plan. However, Moscow has stated that it will not engage in “megaphone diplomacy,” which could jeopardize the peace efforts. The situation underscores the complexity of the conflict and the challenges of finding a diplomatic solution. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains focused on the developments, with many wondering what the next steps will be in the pursuit of peace.
