President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, demanding acceptance of a US-Russia brokered peace plan by Thanksgiving or risk losing American support. The 28-point proposal, which includes concessions favoring Moscow, has drawn sharp criticism from European allies and places Ukraine in a precarious diplomatic position.
The plan, negotiated by US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian official Kirill Dmitriev, was presented to Ukraine this week with a November 27 deadline. Trump stated on Friday that Zelensky “would have to like” the proposal, indicating little room for negotiation. Key elements include demands for Ukraine to cede territory occupied by Russia, limit its military size by more than half, and forgo long-range weapons, while Russia would retain control over Crimea seized in 2014.
In a somber national address on Friday, Zelensky acknowledged the stark choice between accepting the plan and facing abandonment by the US. He emphasized Ukraine’s desire for peace but highlighted the risks of capitulation to Russian demands. The Ukrainian president has approved a delegation for talks in Geneva, signaling a willingness to engage while defending national interests and European security foundations.
A US delegation including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll is set to meet with Ukrainian officials in Geneva to discuss the proposal. However, the process has been muddled by internal US disputes; bipartisan senators claimed Rubio told them the plan was not authored by the US, a statement Rubio later denied, asserting it was a US framework with input from both sides. This confusion adds complexity to the already delicate negotiations.
European leaders, joined by those from Canada and Japan, issued a joint statement expressing concern over the plan’s provisions, particularly those requiring territorial concessions and military limitations. They described it as a basis needing “additional work,” effectively rejecting it in its current form. European officials fear the proposal could undermine regional security and reward Russian aggression, with some noting it risks decoupling the US from its traditional allies.
If Ukraine refuses the plan, it could lose critical US military aid, including air defense systems like Patriots and intelligence sharing that has been vital for countering Russian advances. This would exacerbate Ukraine’s existing crises, such as severe manpower shortages and financial instability, and potentially lead to a strategic shift where Europe bears more responsibility for Ukraine’s security. The loss of US support could also impact frozen Russian asset negotiations and long-term rebuilding efforts.
The ultimatum represents a significant shift in US foreign policy, with Trump positioning America as an arbitrator rather than a steadfast ally in the conflict. This move risks alienating European partners and could embolden Russia, echoing historical great-power deals that have led to prolonged conflicts. Analysts warn that abandoning Ukraine could have far-reaching consequences for global security and the integrity of international alliances.
Talks in Geneva are scheduled for the coming days, with both sides preparing for intense negotiations. Zelensky has reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to a “dignified peace,” but the deadline looms large. The outcome will likely shape the future of US-Ukraine relations, the broader geopolitical landscape in Europe, and the ongoing dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war, with potential implications for stability in the region.
