The conflict in Ukraine has entered one of its most critical periods as President Donald Trump imposed a swift deadline for Kyiv to accept a controversial US-backed peace proposal. Trump stated in a radio interview on Friday that Thanksgiving, which falls on the upcoming Thursday, is an “appropriate time” for Ukraine to agree to the deal, intensifying pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In a stark address to the nation, Zelenskyy warned that his country is facing “one of the most difficult moments in history.” He summarized the dilemma facing Ukraine as a choice between “losing a major partner [the US] or Ukraine’s dignity,” given that the 28-point US plan reportedly requires Ukraine to concede territory to Russia.
The US proposal, which has been described by some officials as dramatically skewed toward Moscow’s demands, seeks to bring an immediate end to the conflict. Reports suggest that the US has threatened to withdraw critical intelligence sharing and other support should Ukraine fail to sign the hastily prepared deal.
Zelenskyy stressed that he would not betray Ukraine’s national interest, but he has been careful not to reject the plan outright. Following a phone call with US Vice-President JD Vance, Zelenskyy said Ukraine agreed to work with the United States and Europe at an advisor level to constructively amend the deal, ensuring it provides a “real and dignified peace” and prevents Russia from claiming Kyiv does not want resolution.
We spoke for almost an hour with U.S. @VP JD Vance and @SecArmy Dan Driscoll. We managed to cover a lot of details of the American side’s proposals for ending the war, and we’re working to make the path forward dignified and truly effective for achieving a lasting peace. I’m… pic.twitter.com/h3uVlnxv2H
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 21, 2025
European allies have expressed strong concern over the US proposal. Germany’s foreign minister dismissed the 28-point document as “not a real plan” but merely a list of topics requiring further work. Leaders from Finland and the UK insisted that matters concerning Ukraine are for Ukraine to decide, with its sovereignty being a fundamental principle for any future deal.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned against conceding to aggression: “If you just give in to the aggression, then you invite for more aggression and this is dangerous.” The UN chief also weighed in, insisting that any peace plan must “abide” by UN resolutions upholding Ukraine’s “territorial integrity.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Moscow had received the US proposals and indicated the plan could serve as the basis for a peaceful resolution. The Kremlin also ramped up the pressure, warning that Ukraine should enter negotiations “now” or risk losing more territory.
The political pressure on Zelenskyy comes at a difficult time on the ground. Ukraine is entering the fourth winter of the war, facing an acute power shortage due to relentless Russian attacks on infrastructure. With morale reportedly flagging and the risk of losing critical Western support, the Ukrainian leader faces an unbearable decision under a looming Thanksgiving deadline.
