Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared his country is facing one of its most difficult historical moments, caught between maintaining a crucial partnership with the United States and preserving national dignity. This crisis comes as former US President Donald Trump imposed a swift deadline for Ukraine to accept a controversial American-backed peace proposal.
The Thanksgiving Deadline and US Pressure
In a radio interview on Friday, November 21, 2025, Trump stated that the upcoming Thanksgiving, which falls on Thursday, presents an "appropriate time" for Ukraine to agree to the deal. This declaration has significantly intensified pressure on the Ukrainian leadership during a precarious phase of the conflict.
The proposed US plan is a 28-point document that, according to reports, would require Ukraine to concede territory to Russia in exchange for an immediate end to the war. Some officials have described the proposal as being dramatically skewed toward Moscow's demands. The United States has reportedly threatened to withdraw critical intelligence sharing and other vital support should Ukraine refuse to sign the hastily prepared agreement.
Zelenskyy's Response and Diplomatic Moves
Addressing the nation, President Zelenskyy framed the agonizing decision as a choice between "losing a major partner or Ukraine's dignity." He firmly stated that he would not betray Ukraine's national interests. However, in a strategic diplomatic move, Zelenskyy has been careful not to reject the plan outright.
Following an almost hour-long phone call with US Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine has agreed to work with the United States and Europe at an advisor level. The goal is to constructively amend the deal to ensure it provides a "real and dignified peace" and to prevent Russia from claiming that Kyiv is unwilling to seek a resolution.
International Reactions and Mounting Pressure
The US proposal has triggered strong concern among European allies. Germany's foreign minister dismissed the 28-point document as "not a real plan", characterizing it instead as merely a list of topics that require substantial further work.
Leaders from Finland and the United Kingdom reinforced the principle that matters concerning Ukraine must be decided by Ukraine itself, insisting that its sovereignty is fundamental to any future agreement. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas issued a stark warning against conceding to aggression, stating, "If you just give in to the aggression, then you invite for more aggression and this is dangerous." The UN chief also emphasized that any viable peace plan must abide by UN resolutions that uphold Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Moscow had received the US proposals and indicated the plan could serve as a basis for a peaceful resolution. The Kremlin added to the pressure on Kyiv, warning that Ukraine should enter negotiations "now" or risk losing more territory.
The political ultimatum arrives at an extremely difficult time for Ukraine on the ground. The nation is entering its fourth winter of war, grappling with an acute power shortage caused by relentless Russian attacks on its infrastructure. With morale reportedly faltering and the risk of losing critical Western support, President Zelenskyy faces an unbearable decision under the looming Thanksgiving deadline.
