President Donald Trump’s bold bid to end the Russia-Ukraine war has hit a wall of European resistance, forcing a rare pivot from the man who prides himself on deal-making.

After unveiling a controversial peace plan that heavily favored Moscow, Trump is now signaling flexibility following pushback from key allies like Britain, while Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky faces an agonizing dilemma between sovereignty and partnership, as the Daily Mail reports.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict, sparked by Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and erupting into full-scale war in 2022, has dragged on with devastating consequences for both sides.

Trump’s Initial Hardline Peace Plan Unveiled

Trump, who campaigned on ending the war swiftly, rolled out a proposal that promised a quick resolution but at a steep cost to Ukraine.

The plan, brokered with Kremlin input but notably excluding Kyiv, demanded Ukraine cede significant territory, including parts of eastern Donetsk, shrink its military, hold snap elections within 100 days, and accept a permanent ban from joining NATO.

Meanwhile, Russia would keep control over Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk, secure access to the Crimean Peninsula via Mariupol, and see sanctions lifted to rejoin the global economy—terms many saw as a capitulation to Moscow’s aggression.

European Allies Push Back Strongly

European leaders, particularly British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, weren’t shy about their reservations, with Starmer engaging Trump in what was called a “good and constructive” discussion on Saturday.

Shortly after, Starmer also reached out to Zelensky to reaffirm Britain’s support for Ukraine, a move that seemed to nudge Trump toward reconsidering his rigid stance.

Other G20 nations, including Japan, Canada, and the European Union, offered cautious nods to elements of Trump’s framework but stressed it needed “additional work” to achieve a just outcome.

Trump Softens Stance After Criticism

Following these diplomatic exchanges, Trump hinted at flexibility, telling reporters his proposal was “not my final offer,” a surprising retreat for a leader known for unyielding positions.

Yet, he couldn’t resist a jab at Zelensky’s defiance, quipping, “Then he can continue to fight his little heart out,” a remark that underscores Trump’s frustration with Ukraine’s resistance to his terms (Trump).

On the other side, Russian President Vladimir Putin initially welcomed the plan as a potential “basis for a final peace settlement,” though he noted it lacked substantive discussion with Moscow.

Ukraine Faces Impossible Choices Ahead

Zelensky, caught between a rock and a hard place, publicly acknowledged the intense pressure, stating, “Ukraine may now face a very difficult choice, either losing its dignity or the risk of losing a key partner."

Despite the ultimatum Trump initially set for acceptance by the following Thursday, Zelensky vowed to work calmly with the U.S. and global allies to navigate the peace process.

Ukraine remains steadfast against any deal surrendering territory, a position rooted in the bitter memory of Russia’s 2014 annexation and the ongoing fight to reclaim its land.