Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has raised serious concerns over a newly leaked US proposal to end the war with Russia, warning that Kyiv could jeopardize vital American support if it accepts terms he considers unfavorable.
In a national address on Friday, Zelensky described the situation as one of the toughest in Ukraine’s history, saying the country may face "a very difficult choice: either losing dignity, or risk losing a key partner."
The leaked peace plan outlines measures Kyiv had previously dismissed, including relinquishing control of parts of eastern Ukraine, drastically downsizing its military, and pledging to forgo Nato membership. Analysts note that the proposals appear to favor Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin described the plan as a possible "basis" for a settlement, while insisting Russia remains ready to continue the conflict if needed.
At a security council meeting, Putin said Russia had received the plan but it had not been fully discussed with Kremlin officials. "We are willing to show flexibility," he stated, "but we are also prepared to fight on."
In Washington, President Donald Trump emphasized that Zelensky "is going to have to approve it," warning that without Ukraine’s acceptance, fighting with Russia would persist.
The US provides Ukraine with critical advanced weaponry, air defence systems, and intelligence, making continued American support crucial for Kyiv’s survival on the battlefield.
During his address, Zelensky cautioned that the country faces growing pressure to compromise.
"The enemy is not sleeping," he said, urging Ukrainians to remain united. He stressed that "the national interest must be taken into account" and reassured citizens that Ukraine would work quietly and constructively with allies, saying, "We're not making loud statements... we'll be calmly working with America and all the partners... offering alternatives."
Zelensky said he had also been reassured of ongoing support after discussions with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Sir Keir said Ukraine’s partners remain committed to achieving "a just and lasting peace once and for all," noting that leaders at the G20 summit in South Africa would explore ways to strengthen the proposal for upcoming negotiations.
The Ukrainian leader also spoke at length with US Vice-President JD Vance and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, emphasizing that Kyiv "always respected" Trump’s efforts to resolve the war.
Trump, speaking at the White House, warned that Ukraine risks losing additional territory quickly and suggested the country has until 27 November to respond, though deadlines may be extended.
The 28-point US draft would see Ukrainian forces withdraw from parts of Donetsk, while Russia would gain de facto control of Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea.
It also proposes freezing current frontlines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, reducing Ukraine’s military to 600,000 personnel, and stationing European fighter jets in Poland. The plan promises "reliable security guarantees" without specifics and suggests reintegrating Russia into the global economy, including rejoining the G7.
Reactions in Ukraine have been defiant. A soldier’s widow in Kyiv told the BBC, "This is not a peace plan, it is a plan to continue the war." From occupied territories, another resident said, "I'm trying to keep my sanity here in the conditions of constant propaganda that Ukraine has forgotten us. I hope they will not sign this." Russia currently controls roughly 20% of Ukraine’s territory, advancing slowly despite significant losses.
