A Shocking Deadline for Peace
In a dramatic turn for the ongoing war in Ukraine, former US President Donald Trump has issued a public ultimatum: Ukraine must accept a new US-Russia peace plan by Thanksgiving, or risk losing American support. The plan, leaked widely in recent days, proposes handing over parts of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region—still under Ukrainian control—to Russia, and demands Ukraine cut its armed forces to 600,000 personnel. The aggressive timeline and terms have sparked outrage and anxiety in Kyiv, with President Volodymyr Zelensky calling this “one of the most difficult moments” since the war began.
What’s Inside the 28-Point Peace Plan?
The draft agreement, reportedly hammered out during secret talks between US and Russian officials, contains 28 key points. Some are vague, but several directly endorse Moscow’s demands, including territorial concessions and military reductions. While the US administration claims the plan is “good for both sides,” Ukrainian officials and much of the public see it as a forced capitulation.
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Territorial concessions: Ukraine would lose control of significant parts of the Donbas region.
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Military downsizing: Ukraine’s armed forces would be capped at 600,000.
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Timeline: Kyiv has until Thanksgiving—just days away—to respond.
President Trump has made clear that the US expects a swift decision, telling Fox News Radio that Thursday is the “appropriate deadline” for Ukraine to accept the deal.
Zelensky’s Dilemma: Capitulation or Resistance?
President Zelensky is under unprecedented pressure. In a televised address, he warned that accepting the plan would mean betraying Ukraine’s national interests, but rejecting it could risk losing crucial US support. He’s been in talks with NATO chief Mark Rutte and leaders from the UK, France, and Germany, who are reportedly working on a counter-proposal to the US plan.
“We have discussed the current situation and we are clear that there should be nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,” Zelensky said, emphasizing that any peace deal must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Russia’s Position: Satisfaction and Threats
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed satisfaction with the US proposals, claiming Russia is ready for peace negotiations but also content with the current military situation. He warned that Ukraine and its European allies are “under the illusion” that Russia can be strategically defeated, and threatened further advances if Kyiv does not accept the terms.
On the Ground: Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Crisis
While diplomatic drama unfolds, the war’s brutality continues. Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities remain relentless:
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Ternopil: A Russian strike killed 25 and injured 73, with search and rescue operations ongoing.
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Kupiansk: Nearly under full Russian control, with Putin warning similar advances elsewhere.
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Civilian toll: Over 3 million displaced inside Ukraine, 6 million refugees abroad, and mounting casualties.
Human rights organizations report increasing evidence of summary executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war, with at least 147 documented cases since 2022.
What This Means for Ukraine’s Future
The coming days could reshape Ukraine’s fate. If Kyiv rejects the peace plan, it risks losing vital US support and facing intensified Russian aggression. If it accepts, it may be forced into painful concessions that many Ukrainians see as a betrayal.
Key Takeaways:
- Ukraine faces a stark choice under intense international pressure.
- The US-Russia peace plan is widely viewed in Ukraine as a forced surrender.
- The humanitarian crisis and violence continue unabated, with millions displaced and hundreds killed or injured in recent attacks.
As Thanksgiving approaches, the world watches to see whether Ukraine will stand firm or be forced into a deal that could redefine its borders—and its future.
Sources
1. Donald Trump urges Ukraine to accept US peace plan | BBC News
2. Ukraine war latest: Peace plan is good for both sides, says US
3. The Kyiv Independent — News from Ukraine, Eastern Europe
4. War in Ukraine | The IRC - International Rescue Committee
5. Human rights in Ukraine - Amnesty International
6. Kyiv Post: Get the Latest Ukraine News Today
7. Ukraine war latest: Putin 'orders conscription' of more ... - Sky News
8. Situation Ukraine Refugee Situation - Operational Data Portal
9. Ukraine Refugee Crisis: Aid, Statistics and News | USA for UNHCR
