Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing an existential diplomatic crisis, warning the country faces an “impossible choice” as Donald Trump pressures Kyiv to sign a peace deal ceding territory to Russia. The US-backed proposal has been widely and angrily rejected by Ukrainian and European officials, who deem the terms as total capitulation.
The deadline is immediate and unusual, with Trump designating Thanksgiving next Thursday as the “acceptable deadline” for Ukraine to sign the sweeping agreement. This aggressive timeline has caused significant apprehension across Europe, with leaders arguing the terms are dangerously one-sided and would necessitate major concessions that profoundly weaken Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
In a somber address outside his palace, Zelenskyy outlined the nation’s stark dilemma: sacrifice national dignity and territory, or face the potential loss of life-saving support from a US administration pushing Moscow’s preferred terms. He noted the immediate decision is between accepting the deal or facing another “extremely difficult winter” of war.
The President argued passionately that to accept the deal would be to forfeit Ukraine’s freedom, dignity, and justice. He warned strongly against trusting Russia, referencing the historical precedent of two invasions. He vowed to uphold the constitution and never betray his people, reminding the world of the defiant stance and refusal to surrender in 2022.
In a move bolstering Kyiv, European leaders swiftly and unequivocally rejected Trump’s proposed map, which would mandate the abandonment of cities and military reductions. They stressed that any sustainable peace must prioritize Ukraine’s sovereignty and must be negotiated from the existing line of contact, not from terms dictated by Russia.