Ukraine is facing one of the most challenging moments since Russia’s full-scale invasion, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned, as growing pressure mounts to accept a controversial U.S.-brokered peace plan.
Speaking late Wednesday, Zelensky said the newly leaked 28-point proposal from the Trump administration has forced Ukraine into a painful dilemma — choosing between preserving its national dignity or risking the loss of crucial American support.
“We are being pushed to decide between losing our dignity or losing a key partner,” Zelensky said, pointing clearly to the United States.
What the U.S. Proposal Demands
The U.S. plan — drafted without Ukraine’s participation and leaked earlier this week — would require Kyiv to accept sweeping concessions:
- Surrender Ukrainian-controlled territory
- Allow Russia to retain Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk
- Hold nationwide elections within 100 days
- Dramatically shrink its armed forces
- Formally abandon its goal of joining NATO
According to analysts, the terms reflect Moscow’s long-standing demands and would effectively lock in Russia’s territorial gains.
BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner wrote that the conditions place Ukraine “in an impossible position,” as accepting them would undermine the country’s sovereignty.
Putin Welcomes the U.S. Plan
Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly endorsed the U.S. proposal on Thursday, saying it could serve as “the basis for a final peace settlement.” His approval raised further concerns in Kyiv and among European leaders that the agreement favors the Kremlin.
Trump Sets Deadline for Ukrainian Acceptance
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has imposed a deadline on Kyiv, saying he expects Ukraine to agree to the deal by next Thursday. Trump has prioritized brokering a rapid end to the war and has shifted the U.S. policy to require greater financial contributions from NATO allies rather than providing additional American military aid.
Zelensky, however, has insisted that Ukraine will present its own peace framework — one that protects Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity.
But time is running short, and the political pressure from Washington has intensified as Ukraine also faces a major corruption scandal involving its nuclear energy agency.
