President Zelenskyy declared that Ukraine cannot accept a peace plan requiring territorial concessions to Russia. The US-backed proposal is being pushed by Trump with a Thanksgiving deadline. Ukrainian officials say the plan undermines the country’s survival.
Trump publicly insisted that Thursday is the “appropriate” moment for Kyiv to sign. He believes Ukraine cannot defend the Donbas and says Kyiv must accept reality. His comments have sparked outrage among Ukraine’s supporters.
Zelenskyy said the pressure on Ukraine is immense. He explained that the country faces an impossible choice between dignity and losing its main international partner. He warned Ukraine may endure another devastating winter if it refuses.
He said accepting the plan would strip Ukraine of its future and reward Russian aggression. He stressed that he would defend Ukraine’s constitution and national interests at all costs. He vowed never to betray the trust of Ukrainians who resisted invasion for nearly four years.
European leaders contacted Zelenskyy to express solidarity, urging a fair and lasting peace. They rejected the idea of Ukraine giving up cities or shrinking its military. Instead, they called for negotiations based on the current front line, not Russia’s demands.