The war in Ukraine has reached a critical turning point after U.S. President Donald Trump set a firm deadline for Kyiv to accept a contentious American-backed peace proposal. In a radio interview on Friday, Trump said Thanksgiving—just days away—would be an “appropriate time” for Ukraine to agree to the plan, escalating pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In a somber national address, Zelenskyy described the moment as “one of the most difficult in history,” saying Ukraine is being forced to choose between “losing a key partner [the U.S.] or losing its dignity.” The proposed 28-point peace framework reportedly demands that Ukraine cede territory to Russia.
The U.S. plan, criticized by some officials as heavily favoring Moscow, aims for an immediate cessation of hostilities. There are reports that Washington has warned of pulling crucial intelligence and other assistance if Kyiv refuses to sign the quickly drafted document.
Zelenskyy said he would not compromise Ukraine’s national interests but has avoided outright rejection of the plan. After a call with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, he announced that Ukraine would work with American and European advisors to revise the proposal to secure a “real and dignified peace” and avoid giving Russia grounds to claim Kyiv is unwilling to negotiate.
European leaders have voiced significant alarm over the U.S. document. Germany’s foreign minister dismissed the plan as merely a list of discussion points, while Finnish and British officials emphasized that Ukraine alone must determine its future. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas cautioned that yielding to aggression would only encourage further aggression. The UN Secretary-General also insisted that any peace deal must respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity in line with UN resolutions.
Russia, meanwhile, acknowledged receiving the U.S. proposal, with President Vladimir Putin saying it could serve as a basis for talks. The Kremlin urged Kyiv to negotiate immediately or risk losing additional territory.
The mounting diplomatic pressure comes as Ukraine heads into its fourth wartime winter amid severe energy shortages caused by ongoing Russian strikes on infrastructure. With morale strained and the threat of diminishing Western support, Zelenskyy now faces an excruciating decision under Trump’s approaching Thanksgiving deadline.
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