Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a stark warning on Friday regarding the potential consequences of U.S. pressure to reach a new peace agreement by Thanksgiving. He indicated that the situation could force Ukraine into a position where it might have to choose between sacrificing its dignity or losing a vital ally in the United States.
According to three U.S. officials, the White House is urging Kyiv to agree to a “framework” based on a proposed 28-point peace plan by Thursday, emphasizing that while this target is not a strict deadline, it represents a pressing goal. The complexity of the negotiations is underscored by expectations that they will take longer than a week to finalize.
In an emotional address to the nation, Zelenskyy described these as some of the most challenging times in Ukrainian history. He stated, “The pressure on Ukraine is one of the hardest… We may now face a very difficult choice, either losing our dignity or risking the loss of a key partner.” He stressed the need for national unity in what he characterized as a “very difficult, eventful” week ahead.
As Ukraine and its allies work to evaluate the proposal, there are growing concerns that accepting major concessions to Russia could ultimately embolden the Kremlin. The urgency of the situation has led Zelenskyy to engage in significant discussions with the leaders of the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, reiterating his commitment to ensuring that Ukraine’s interests are adequately represented in any potential agreements.
The emergence of the peace plan follows discussions with Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council secretary, who reportedly agreed to the majority of the proposed points. However, Umerov has publicly denied having approved any elements of the plan, clarifying that his role during recent talks in the U.S. was strictly technical.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that any agreement must offer full security guarantees and deterrence for all involved parties. She described the plan as a necessary reflection of the current realities and aimed at creating a mutually beneficial scenario for both Ukraine and Russia, following over five years of conflict.
This ongoing diplomatic effort comes at a crucial time, as both Ukraine and its Western allies remain vigilant against potential Russian advances, while also weighing the implications of any peace agreement. The calls for unity from President Zelenskyy reflect a widespread hope that Ukraine can navigate this complex landscape without sacrificing its core values.