US Threatens to Withhold Military Support to Force Ukraine into Peace Agreement with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) with his American counterpart Donald Trump (right). (File)

Kyiv:

The United States has threatened to withhold intelligence sharing and weapons supplies from Ukraine in an effort to pressure Kyiv into accepting the framework of a US-mediated peace agreement, according to two sources familiar with the situation.

Speaking anonymously, these sources revealed that Kyiv is facing unprecedented pressure from Washington compared to previous peace negotiations. The US administration is reportedly pushing Ukraine to sign a framework agreement by next Thursday.

"Washington's intention appears to be ending the conflict with Ukraine bearing the consequences," one source stated.

The US has presented Ukraine with a comprehensive 28-point proposal that aligns with several of Russia's key demands in the conflict. These include requirements for Ukraine to surrender additional territory, reduce its military forces, and abandon aspirations for NATO membership.

On Thursday, high-ranking US military officials met with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv to discuss potential pathways to peace.

The US ambassador to Ukraine, along with the army public affairs chief accompanying the delegation, described the meeting as successful. They indicated that Washington is pursuing an "aggressive timeline" for finalizing an agreement between the United States and Ukraine.