Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this Friday that Ukraine is faced with the possibility of losing its dignity or risking the loss of an essential partner, as it evaluates how to respond to the United States’ peace proposal to end the war that began with Russia’s massive invasion.
Pressure from the White House has increased: Donald Trump wants to see Ukraine accept the plan by Thanksgiving, November 27th.
“This is one of the most difficult times in our history”said Zelensky in a video in which he addressed the country. “Right now, the pressure on Ukraine is very strong. Ukraine faces a very difficult choice: either lose its dignity, or risk losing a key partner.”
The US administration threatens to withdraw all support for Ukraine, in terms of secret services and weapons, if the agreement is not signed by next week.
Zelensky in high-level contacts
Ukraine will “work calmly with the United States and all partners”said Zelensky, guaranteeing that he will address the matter constructively. The head of state also had an almost hour-long conversation with American Vice President JD Vance and the United States Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, “covering a range of details on the American side of proposals to end the war”. In a post on the social network X, he continually thanks the American support and “President Donald Trump’s desire to put an end to this bloodshed.”
The President of Ukraine spoke earlier on the phone with leaders from Germany, France and the United Kingdom, who assured him of continued support, while European officials seemed confused in responding to the 28 points of the North American peace proposal, which apparently caught them off guard. Zelensky also spoke with the President of the European Council, António Costa and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, informing them of the American peace agreement.
The US plan contains many of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s usual demands, including territorial concessions, while offering limited security guarantees in Ukraine. The White House proposal provides for a “non-aggression pact” between Russia, Ukraine and Europe, and the division of Kherson and Zaporijia into the current front line. In light of the plan, Kiev should also cede the regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, in the east of the country, to Russia.
These two regions, claimed by Moscow, and Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, would be “de facto recognized as Russian, including by the United States”.
Another demand is the reduction of the Ukrainian Armed Forces by half, reaching 600,000 personnel.