Ukraine Faces Pressure Over US Peace Plan as Zelensky Warns of ‘Dignity at Stake’
Zelensky Resists US Proposal Backing Russian Demands
President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Friday that Ukraine risks losing both its dignity and Washington’s support if it accepts a US peace plan aligned with major Russian demands. Former President Donald Trump said Kyiv should approve the proposal within a week, confirming what two sources earlier told Reuters.
Trump told Fox News Radio that Thursday was an appropriate deadline for Ukraine to respond. The 28-point US plan calls on Ukraine to give up territory, limit its military capabilities, and abandon its goal of joining NATO.
Putin Welcomes US Plan
Russian President Vladimir Putin later said the plan could serve as the foundation for ending the nearly four-year war. He again insisted on Russia’s territorial and security conditions, which he has refused to compromise in the past.
Zelensky addressed the nation in a rare outdoor speech delivered from the street outside his office. He urged Ukrainians to remain united and vowed not to betray the country. “Ukraine now faces an extremely difficult choice — losing dignity or risking the loss of a key partner,” he said. “I will fight around the clock to protect the dignity and freedom of Ukrainians.”
Washington Signals Pressure on Kyiv
According to two sources, the United States has warned Ukraine that intelligence sharing and weapons supplies could be suspended if Kyiv rejects the proposal. A senior US official later said it was inaccurate to claim the United States issued such a threat, but did not deny that strong pressure exists.
Putin, speaking on television, argued that Kyiv opposes the plan because it does not recognise the scale of Russia’s military advances.
Zelensky Seeks Support From European Leaders
Zelensky held calls with the leaders of Germany, France, and Britain on Friday, and later spoke with US Vice President JD Vance. He said he and Vance agreed to direct their advisers to work on “a workable path to peace.” In his public remarks, Zelensky avoided directly rejecting the US plan and maintained a careful tone toward Washington.
“We appreciate the efforts of the United States, President Trump, and his team to end this war,” he said. “We are reviewing the document prepared by the American side. This plan must lead to a real and dignified peace.”
Analysts Warn of Instability if Kyiv Accepts the Deal
Kyiv has rejected similar proposals before, describing them as surrender. Analysts say accepting the current terms could weaken political stability after four years of intense fighting. “Russia gets everything it wants and Ukraine gets very little,” said Tim Ash of Britain’s Chatham House. “If Zelensky accepts this, Ukraine could face significant political, social, and economic instability.”
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