Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Kyiv is facing one of the most difficult decisions in its modern history, as the United States presses Ukraine to accept a proposed peace deal that analysts say incorporates major Russian demands.
Addressing Ukrainians in a speech outside his presidential office on Friday, Zelensky said the country risked either “losing dignity and freedom” or losing critical US backing if it rejects the plan drafted in Washington.
“Now is one of the most difficult moments of our history,” Zelensky said. “Ukraine may face a very difficult choice — either losing dignity or risking the loss of a major partner. I will fight 24/7 to ensure that dignity and freedom are not sacrificed.”
US President Donald Trump has reportedly given Ukraine just days to accept the 28-point proposal. In an interview with Fox News Radio, Trump said next Thursday would be “an appropriate” deadline for Kyiv to agree.
Reuters, citing unnamed officials, reported that the Trump administration has warned Kyiv that intelligence sharing and military support may be cut off if it refuses.
Media reports say the plan includes key concessions to Russia:
- ceding additional Ukrainian territory,
- limiting the size of Ukraine’s military,
- barring Ukraine from joining NATO,
- lifting Western sanctions on Moscow, and
- restoring Russia to the G8.
Moscow Welcomes Plan, Says Kyiv Blocking Progress
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the US proposal as an updated version of what was previously discussed with Washington. He said it could serve as the basis for a “final peace settlement,” but claimed Ukraine’s refusal was preventing progress.
“Ukraine and its European allies still dream of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia,” Putin said. “The text has not been discussed with us in any substantive way.”
Russian advances on the battlefield appear to be strengthening Moscow’s negotiating position. The Kremlin says about 5,000 Ukrainian soldiers are currently trapped near the Oskil River, as Russia continues pushing toward Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, and parts of Zaporizhzhia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s gains should convince Zelensky that “it is better to negotiate now rather than later.”
Ukrainian cities continue to face deadly attacks. At least 31 people were killed and nearly 100 injured this week when a Russian missile hit a residential building in Ternopil.
Former US Defense Department official Jim Townsend said Ukraine’s weakening military position will intensify pressure on Zelensky. “If the US pulls back support, Kyiv will be under enormous pressure to accept the agreement — no matter how difficult it feels,” he said.
Europe Warns Against Rushed Concessions
European leaders, who were not consulted on the US draft, say any deal must protect Ukraine’s long-term security.
In a coordinated call on Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Zelensky to engage with US efforts but reaffirmed Europe’s “unwavering support for a just and lasting peace.”
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that peace cannot come at the cost of rewarding Russian aggression.
“We all want this war to end, but how it ends matters,” she said. “Russia has no legal right to any concessions from the country it invaded.”
Analysts say the final decision will be shaped in Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow — not in European capitals.
