Former U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly nearing a critical shift in his mediation efforts in the Ukraine conflict, according to multiple media outlets.
Amid mounting frustrations over the prolonged war, Axios reports that Trump has made what is described as a final peace offer that includes a controversial provision: U.S. recognition of Crimea as Russian territory and informal acceptance of Russian control over areas seized since the 2022 invasion.
The proposal, which would mark a significant departure from longstanding U.S. policy, appears to be a last-ditch effort to end the war diplomatically. However, Ukrainian authorities have consistently maintained that territorial concessions are off the table, making it unlikely that Kiev would accept any plan that legitimises Russian occupation.
This reported American offer comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin has allegedly made his own proposal to Washington. According to the Financial Times, Putin has signalled a willingness to halt the invasion and freeze the existing frontlines. The British outlet cites sources “close to the matter” who say the offer was communicated during a meeting in early April between Putin and American envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg.
The Russian proposal would essentially solidify Russia’s hold over the territories it currently occupies while pausing active military operations. Analysts suggest this approach could be aimed at avoiding further military escalation while preserving strategic gains in eastern and southern Ukraine.
While neither side has officially confirmed these offers, the reports suggest a rare convergence: both Washington and Moscow appear to be exploring a ceasefire or frozen conflict model that halts fighting but does not necessarily resolve underlying territorial disputes.
For Ukraine, however, these proposals represent a serious challenge. Any agreement that includes territorial concessions to Russia—especially regarding Crimea or the Donbas region—would likely be met with fierce domestic resistance and could fracture international support for Kiev.
Observers note that Trump’s approach, if accurate, reflects his broader transactional style in foreign policy, where practical outcomes are prioritised over long-term geopolitical principles. His proposal also signals growing fatigue in some American political circles with the financial and military costs of supporting Ukraine.
The developments come as the conflict enters its third year, with thousands of casualties and extensive destruction across Ukraine. Despite Western military aid and diplomatic backing, Ukraine has struggled to regain lost territory in the face of entrenched Russian defences.
As the situation evolves, both the Trump camp and Kremlin are likely testing the political waters, gauging how far stakeholders are willing to go to bring an end to the conflict—albeit on vastly different terms. Whether these unofficial proposals will translate into formal negotiations remains to be seen.
