Washington: US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll has issued a stark warning to Ukraine, advising that the country faces “inevitable defeat” by the Russian army unless a settlement is reached.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, during a meeting with Ukrainian officials in Kyiv, Driscoll conveyed a dire outlook on the ongoing conflict. He emphasized the critical situation facing Ukrainian forces on the battlefield, suggesting an impending defeat without a negotiated settlement with Russia.

US President Donald Trump has also commented on the situation, noting that Russia is making significant concessions to resolve the crisis. The most notable concession, as stated by Trump, is Russia’s potential acceptance of a ceasefire and halting further territorial expansions. Trump highlighted that several points of a peace agreement have been favorably agreed upon, following amendments to the initial 28-point Ukrainian settlement plan.

In response, President Putin acknowledged that the US plan could serve as a foundation for a final resolution. He expressed Russia’s willingness to engage flexibly in negotiations, indicating that the current conditions are advantageous for Russia. Putin urged Kyiv and its allies to abandon hopes of defeating Russia, referencing recent developments in the liberated city of Kobyansk as a warning of potential outcomes if the US proposal is rejected.