Zelensky Says Ukraine Faces a Difficult Choice Due to Trump's Peace Plan, Which Asks for Compromises

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned the country that it's facing one of its toughest moments. It must decide between keeping its honor and risking losing the support of the United States. This difficult situation comes from a 28-point peace plan backed by the U.S., which asks Ukraine to make big compromises.

Details of Trump's Plan

The U.S. plan, pushed by President Donald Trump, includes demands that many in Ukraine and Europe see as a surrender. The main points include:

Giving up control of areas that are currently occupied, like Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk. This would mean Ukraine loses over 20% of its land.

Cutting down the size of Ukraine's military.

Adding a rule to Ukraine's constitution that bans it from joining NATO.

Ending the Western sanctions against Russia.

Washington is pushing Ukraine to accept this plan quickly. President Trump has mentioned a soft deadline of November 27th (U.S. Thanksgiving) for Ukraine to agree, but said the date could be moved if talks go well.

Ukraine's Reaction

In a video message on November 21st, President Zelensky called for the country to stand together. He said that his government would not betray its interests. While admitting the risk of losing its main partner, he said the government would work calmly and quietly with the U.S. and other countries.

Zelensky said that Ukraine is ready to talk with the U.S. about the plan but wants to offer its own ideas. He also said that he has been assured of continued support from leaders in Europe, after talking on the phone with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Reactions From Around the World

The proposal has received different reactions.

European allies don't like the plan, and many believe it's like asking Ukraine to surrender. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barro said that peace must not be surrender. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that Ukraine shouldn't have limits on how it defends itself. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaya Kallas said that any deal must include Europe and Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the 28-point plan could be a basis for a peaceful solution. But, he said that talks haven't really started yet because Ukraine hasn't agreed to the plan. The Kremlin also said that any plan must deal with the root causes of the conflict, repeating its demand for Ukraine to forget about joining NATO and declare that it is neutral.