UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just announced a Thanksgiving deadline for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept a controversial U.S.-proposed peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. This urgent ultimatum was delivered during a press briefing on Friday, sparking immediate concerns over Ukraine’s sovereignty and international alliances.
Sources confirm that Trump’s ultimatum implies significant concessions from Ukraine, including the potential loss of territory in the Donbas region and a commitment to limit its military capabilities. Zelenskyy has expressed grave concerns, stating that accepting the deal could jeopardize Ukraine’s dignity and its critical support from the United States, a key international ally.
A U.S. official informed Scripps News that the expectation is clear: Ukraine must agree to the terms laid out by the U.S. administration. “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,” Trump stated. He added that Zelenskyy “is going to have to approve it” for any peace process to move forward.
The details of the proposed plan remain largely unconfirmed, but initial reports suggest that it would require Ukraine to cap its military size and forgo aspirations of NATO membership, instead relying on security guarantees from the U.S. and its allies. This shift in policy has raised alarms among Ukrainian officials and military strategists, who worry about the long-term implications of such agreements.
In a critical meeting on Friday, Zelenskyy met with Vice President Vance and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to discuss the details of this peace plan. The urgency of the situation is heightened by upcoming discussions among European allies and NATO members, who are expected to convene on the sidelines of the G20 Summit later this month, where Trump will be notably absent.
Zelenskyy’s administration faces a tough decision, balancing national dignity against the risk of losing vital support from the U.S. as tensions with Russia escalate. “If we sign on to this agreement, we risk everything we have fought for,” said a senior Ukrainian official, emphasizing the emotional stakes involved.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the agreement could form the “basis” for a peace deal, claiming there are no substantive talks currently ongoing. This statement further complicates the negotiations and raises questions about Russia’s intentions.
As this situation develops, all eyes will be on Zelenskyy and his response to Trump’s demands. The approaching November 23 deadline looms large, creating a critical moment in the ongoing conflict that could redefine Ukraine’s future and its relationship with the U.S.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds. The implications of this peace proposal could resonate across Europe and beyond, impacting international relations for years to come.
