WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump stated Friday that a path to peace in Ukraine exists, contingent upon Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi‘s approval of a proposed agreement with Russia. Trump indicated the plan, details of which have emerged in recent reports, could lead to a cessation of hostilities.
According to Trump,Zelenskyi “will have to like the proposal and at some point he’s going to have to accept something,” or Ukraine will continue fighting.He initially suggested a response deadline of next Thursday, but noted that deadlines are frequently enough extended if progress is being made.
The Financial Times reported today, citing unnamed Ukrainian officials, that the U.S. expects Zelenskyi to approve the plan by November 27, and that Kyiv is facing notable pressure from Washington to do so. The proposed plan reportedly requires Ukraine to cede Crimea and the entirety of the Donbas region, as well as occupied portions of the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions. It also includes a constitutional commitment to forego NATO membership.
Reuters sources indicate the U.S. has warned Ukraine that continued arms deliveries and intelligence sharing are dependent on accepting the proposal.
In a televised address to the nation Friday, Zelenskyi acknowledged Ukraine faces a “very difficult choice,” framing it as a decision between “losing dignity or risk losing a key partner,” and referencing a choice between “28 points or extremely hard winter.” The “28 points” likely refers to the terms of the proposed agreement.
