Ukraine Peace Plan Standoff Zelensky Resists Pressure From US, Russia

Ukraine is facing one of the most difficult moments in its modern history as President Volodymyr Zelensky warns that the country could lose the support of the United States if it rejects a new peace plan aimed at ending the war with Russia.

The plan, introduced by US President Donald Trump, gives Ukraine less than a week to decide. It includes several major concessions that heavily favour Russia — something Kyiv and many European nations are struggling to accept.

Zelensky Rejects Key Parts of the Plan

On Friday, Zelensky publicly pushed back against the US proposal. He said he would not accept any deal that “betrays” Ukraine’s national interests and promised to present alternative ideas.

Zelensky explained that the country might face a painful choice: either accept a peace deal that affects Ukraine’s dignity and future or risk losing a key international partner. He said Ukraine must not be pressured into an agreement that weakens its long-term security.

Putin Welcomes the Proposal — With Conditions

Russian President Vladimir Putin responded positively, saying the plan could “lay the foundation” for a final peace settlement. However, he issued a warning: if Ukraine refuses negotiations, Russia may continue capturing more territory.

Putin claimed that Russia recently took control of the Ukrainian city of Kupiansk—something Ukraine denies, saying the city remains under its control.

What the US Plan Includes

According to drafts of the proposal, Ukraine would face several major demands:

• Recognize Russian control over territories already occupied by Moscow

• Withdraw troops from certain areas in Donetsk

• Limit its military to 600,000 troops

• Promise never to join NATO

• Agree not to host NATO troops on Ukrainian soil

In exchange, Ukraine would receive “security guarantees” and access to a reconstruction fund created with frozen Russian assets.

Russia, meanwhile, would regain global economic access and return to the G8 group of nations.

Pressure Builds Ahead of Deadline

The White House gave Zelensky until November 27, which coincides with the Thanksgiving holiday in the US, to agree to the deal or present alternatives. Trump said the timeline could be flexible but insisted Ukraine must eventually accept “something.”

Zelensky spoke with US Vice President JD Vance and held an emergency call with leaders of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. European leaders expressed full support for Ukraine and voiced concerns that the US plan excludes Europe and benefits Russia too much.

Reactions Inside Ukraine

People in Kyiv remain divided over whether Ukraine should negotiate under pressure. Some believe Ukraine must engage to protect its partnership with the US, while others say accepting the plan would amount to surrender.

A local seamstress, Yanina, 41, summed up the frustration: “Neither Ukraine nor Russia will make concessions. This will go nowhere, and the war will continue.”

A Critical Moment for Ukraine

As the deadline approaches, Ukraine must decide whether to push for changes, enter negotiations, or reject the plan entirely. Zelensky said the government will stand firm and protect Ukraine’s dignity, just as it did when the war began in 2022.

With both Washington and Moscow pushing in different directions, the coming days may shape the future of the conflict and Ukraine’s global alliances.