Ukraine is entering one of the most challenging phases of its wartime diplomacy as it weighs a U.S.-proposed peace plan with Russia after a firm deadline set by President Donald Trump. The plan, which outlines sweeping territorial concessions and military restrictions, has triggered heated debate across Kyiv, Europe, and Washington. With time running out, Ukraine must decide whether the proposal represents a path to stability or a threat to its sovereignty.
The U.S.-drafted peace framework contains 28 key points, including requirements that Ukraine formalize the loss of territories currently under Russian control. This includes accepting Moscow’s authority over Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk. Additionally, the plan calls for a significant reduction of Ukraine’s military forces, limiting the country to a maximum of 600,000 troops under a long-term demilitarized agreement. In exchange, Kyiv would receive broad security guarantees and a commitment from Washington to support reconstruction.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded cautiously. He expressed willingness to review the proposal in detail, emphasizing Ukraine’s readiness for “honest and constructive work” with U.S. officials. However, Zelenskyy also warned that the plan forces Ukraine to confront a harsh dilemma—choosing between “the loss of dignity” or the potential loss of American support, which remains critical for Ukraine’s defense and economic survival.
Complicating matters further is the deadline imposed by Donald Trump, who reportedly expects Kyiv to give its decision by Thanksgiving. While he has suggested the deadline could be extended, Trump insists the timeline is “appropriate” and necessary to push the conflict toward resolution. His firm stance has placed immense pressure on Zelenskyy’s government, especially as Ukraine continues to face daily Russian aggression along the front lines.
European leaders, meanwhile, are pushing back strongly against the deal. Officials in France, Germany, and other EU states argue that any peace agreement must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They warn that accepting the U.S. plan as written could be interpreted as rewarding Russian aggression and could weaken Europe’s long-term security architecture.
Russia’s reaction has been cautiously positive. President Vladimir Putin has described the U.S. proposal as a potential “foundation” for a final settlement but noted that Moscow has not been formally consulted on its details. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed the process, stating that “no real negotiations are taking place yet,” suggesting Russia may be waiting to see how Kyiv and Washington proceed.
The stakes are enormous. Accepting the deal could halt the war and unlock economic partnerships and sanctions relief, but at the cost of significant territorial concessions and long-term military limitations. Rejecting it, however, risks losing key political and military backing from the United States at a critical point in the war.
As Ukraine evaluates its options, one thing is clear: the decisions made in the coming days will shape not only the future of the conflict but also the future of Europe’s security landscape.
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