Zelenskyy Warns Ukraine Faces Tough Decision as U.S. Peace Proposal Sparks Global Debate

Ukraine Confronts Difficult Choice Amid U.S. Peace Plan Backed by Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned citizens that the country faces a pivotal moment as it reviews a U.S. peace proposal that could reshape the trajectory of the nearly four-year conflict. The plan has been cautiously welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who says it reflects many long-standing Kremlin demands. European governments, caught off guard by the proposal, have pledged support for Kyiv while urging caution over any settlement that affects regional security.

Ukraine Evaluates U.S. Proposal Under Intense Pressure

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Ukrainians on Friday that the country may be forced to choose between safeguarding its sovereign rights and preserving critical U.S. support as Washington circulates a peace plan seen by many allies as tilted toward Russia. In a national address, he described the period as “one of the most difficult moments in our history,” urging his government and citizens to prepare for complex negotiations.

Zelenskyy said he discussed the proposal for nearly an hour with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, emphasizing the need for what he called “fair treatment” from partners. “Ukraine may now face a very difficult choice, either losing its dignity or the risk of losing a key partner,” he said.

The U.S. plan includes several elements Kyiv has long rejected, including ceding territory to Russia, reducing Ukraine’s military size, and blocking future NATO membership. These measures would fundamentally reshape Ukraine’s security posture and have been opposed by Ukrainian leaders since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.

Putin Welcomes Plan While Criticizing Kyiv

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the proposal could serve as the basis for a final settlement, describing it as a revised version of ideas discussed with U.S. officials before his meeting with former President Donald Trump in Alaska in August. Speaking to Russia’s National Security Council, he claimed Washington had not yet engaged Moscow in substantive talks, arguing that Ukraine and its European partners “still dream of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield.”

Putin alleged that Kyiv is resisting the plan, calling Ukraine’s objections unrealistic. He also repeated Moscow’s position that Western nations must accept changes in territorial control if they want a lasting peace — an argument rejected by Ukraine and most European governments.

Trump Sets Deadline for Ukrainian Response

Former President Trump, who has taken an active role in shaping the proposal, said Zelenskyy must provide an answer within a week. In comments to reporters, Trump referenced a tense meeting earlier in the year in which he told Zelenskyy that Kyiv “didn’t have the cards.” In a separate radio interview, he said the Thursday deadline could be extended if negotiations progress, calling it “an appropriate time” to finalize terms.

Zelenskyy has said Ukraine is prepared to negotiate directly with both Washington and Moscow but must do so without sacrificing national sovereignty. He also urged Ukrainians to “stop fighting” one another, a remark widely interpreted as referencing recent domestic political disputes and corruption allegations that have drawn scrutiny.

Europe Moves to Reassure Kyiv

European leaders scrambled to respond after learning of the U.S. proposal, which officials say came as a surprise. In phone calls with Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense and sovereignty.

The leaders said any agreement must be based on the current line of contact and ensure that Ukraine’s armed forces remain capable of defending the country. They also welcomed U.S. efforts but offered carefully worded statements that balanced support for Washington with concern about the plan’s implications.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said from Brussels that Russia had “no legal right to any concessions,” calling the conflict an “existential threat to Europe.” She warned that a poorly negotiated deal could deepen long-term insecurity across the continent.

A senior European official, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, said the U.S. plan had not been formally presented to key European governments. Several elements were described as “concerning,” particularly those that would grant Moscow significant concessions.

U.S. Senate Voices Bipartisan Skepticism

The proposal has also drawn critical reactions in Washington. Senator Roger Wicker, the Republican chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the plan contains “real problems” and suggested it could force Ukraine to surrender territory to “one of the world’s most flagrant war criminals.” He argued that Ukraine must retain the right to determine the size of its military without Russian influence.

Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the proposals resembled “a Russian wish list,” adding to bipartisan concerns that the plan may weaken Ukraine’s long-term security.

Kyiv Reviews Proposals as Talks Continue

Ukrainian officials said they were assessing the proposals and expected Zelenskyy and Trump to speak again in the coming days. According to a senior Trump administration official, the plan was drafted after U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Rustem Umerov, a senior adviser to Zelenskyy. The official claimed Umerov approved most of the plan after making revisions.

Umerov publicly disputed that version of events, saying he only facilitated meetings and prepared discussions. He added that technical negotiations between Ukraine and the U.S. were ongoing in Kyiv.

“We are thoughtfully processing the partners’ proposals within the framework of Ukraine’s unchanging principles — sovereignty, people’s security, and a just peace,” Umerov said.