Kyiv Under Pressure as Trump Sets Thanksgiving Deadline for Controversial Peace Plan

Ukraine’s president warned that the country faces one of its darkest moments as Trump pushes a peace plan requiring Ukraine to surrender land to Russia. Zelenskyy said the American proposal asks Ukraine to abandon dignity, sovereignty, and hard-fought justice. He described the pressure as unprecedented.
Trump insisted next Thursday is the right deadline for signing the deal. He believes Ukraine cannot stop Russia from seizing eastern territories and suggests Kyiv must accept reality. European leaders have condemned the plan, calling it a blueprint for Ukrainian defeat.
In a 10-minute address, Zelenskyy said Ukraine must choose between capitulating or risking strained relations with a US administration seeking a rapid end to the conflict. He warned the alternative would be surviving another winter of infrastructure destruction and widespread blackouts.
Zelenskyy said he would never sacrifice the constitution or betray the country. He stressed that Ukraine refused to surrender in 2022 and would not do so now. He reiterated that the country seeks peace, but only on terms that guarantee long-term security.
Meanwhile, US officials hinted that intelligence sharing and weapons support may be cut off if Ukraine refuses to sign. European governments countered by reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and rejecting any plan that rewards Russia’s aggression.