President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must approve a proposed peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine before it can be implemented. Trump set a deadline of Thanksgiving for Zelenskyy to consider the U.S.-backed proposal, which has sparked significant debate about its implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty and international relationships.
Zelenskyy expressed concerns that accepting the proposal could jeopardize Ukraine’s dignity and potentially undermine its relationship with the United States, a critical ally. According to a U.S. official, who spoke to Scripps News, it was made clear that the U.S. expects Ukraine to agree to the peace plan, with any modifications to be determined “by the president himself.” The White House has reportedly been working on the agreement for the past month.
In discussions held on Friday, Zelenskyy met with Vice President Vance and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to review the details of the proposed plan. Trump emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “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. And it’s a shame. I thought they should have acted quicker. We have a way of getting peace. We think we have a way of getting peace. [Zelenskyy] is going to have to approve it.”
Details of the Proposed Peace Plan
While the specifics of the plan have not been independently verified, circulated points suggest that Ukraine may be asked to relinquish control of certain eastern territories, including the Donbas, and areas currently under Ukrainian governance. Additionally, the proposal would require Ukraine to limit its military size and forego aspirations for NATO membership, instead receiving security guarantees from the United States.
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the agreement could form the “basis” for a peace deal but denied that substantive discussions were taking place. The situation has drawn the attention of other European allies and NATO members, who are also in consultation with Ukraine regarding the developments. A meeting is anticipated on the sidelines of the upcoming G20 Summit, where world leaders will convene to address various global issues, although Trump will not be in attendance.
As the deadline approaches, the international community watches closely, aware that the decisions made in the coming weeks could significantly impact not just Ukraine’s future but also the broader geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.
