UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just announced a Thanksgiving deadline for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to approve a controversial peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This urgent development could reshape international relations and impact Ukraine’s sovereignty.
During a press briefing on Friday, Trump emphasized that the proposed plan must receive Zelenskyy’s approval before it can be enacted. The implications of this deadline are significant, as Zelenskyy faces a daunting choice between securing peace and preserving Ukraine’s dignity and support from the United States, a crucial ally.
A senior U.S. official, speaking with Scripps News, indicated that the expectation for Ukraine to accept the peace agreement had been strongly implied, with the final details to be determined “by the president himself.” The White House has been quietly formulating this plan for approximately the last month.
Zelenskyy met with Vice President Vance and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll on the same day to discuss the specifics of the proposal. Zelenskyy expressed deep concerns about the potential loss of dignity for Ukraine should he agree to the terms laid out by the U.S. He remarked, “We have a plan. It’s horrible what’s happening. It’s a war that should have never happened and would have never happened if I was president. It’s a shame. I thought they should have acted quicker. We think we have a way of getting peace. [Zelenskyy is] going to have to approve it.”
Details of the proposed agreement, which remain unconfirmed, suggest that Ukraine may be pressured to relinquish control over parts of the eastern region, including the Donbas, and to limit its military forces. Additionally, Ukraine would be required to forgo aspirations for NATO membership in exchange for security guarantees from the United States.
In a parallel development, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the agreement could serve as the “basis” for a peace deal, despite denying any ongoing substantive talks. Meanwhile, other European allies and NATO members are reportedly in consultation with Ukraine regarding the evolving situation. These discussions are expected to continue during the upcoming G20 Summit, which Trump will not attend.
As the deadline approaches, the international community is watching closely. The ramifications of Zelenskyy’s decision could have lasting effects not only on Ukraine’s future but also on the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and the deadline approaches.
