In a stunning development, Austria has alleged that former U.S. President Donald Trump once proposed handing over Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger made the claim during an interview with the German outlet Die Welt, stating that Trump appeared willing to cede the territories and even rule out Ukraine’s future NATO membership in an effort to broker peace.

Despite this reported offer, Minister Meinl-Reisinger said Putin rejected the proposition and chose instead to continue what she described as his “war of destruction” in Ukraine. According to the minister, this indicates a clear truth: while Ukraine is striving for peace, Russia is deliberately prolonging the war.

She firmly dismissed claims that Russia holds a military edge, pointing to the Kremlin’s mounting battlefield losses. In her words, “Putin won’t be able to ignore the growing toll forever.” She added that Russian coffins will continue to return home, and with the nation’s deepening economic crisis, sustaining the war effort is becoming increasingly difficult for the Kremlin.

Minister Meinl-Reisinger warned that Putin is aware his time is running out, which, she believes, explains his increasingly violent tactics and escalation on the front lines.

In a related twist, Trump has reportedly issued a stern ultimatum to Moscow. Frustrated by the stalled peace negotiations, he warned Putin that severe economic consequences would follow if no deal is reached within 50 days. The former president later remarked that things would go “too badly” for Russia if it failed to act.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the administration’s growing impatience with Moscow, suggesting that sanctions could come even sooner if Russia refuses to cooperate.

As tensions mount and diplomatic options narrow, all eyes remain on the next steps from Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv.

Stay with us for continuing coverage of this developing story.

Reporting by Lisa Lomami.