Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is standing firm on the principle of “sovereignty first,” rejecting a US-backed peace plan that would force territorial cessions to Russia and which European leaders insist cannot start from “Moscow’s demands.” Zelenskyy warned the nation faces an “impossible choice,” calling the proposal outright capitulation.
The pressure is defined by Donald Trump’s arbitrary deadline, naming Thanksgiving next Thursday as the “acceptable deadline” for the agreement’s signature. This swift timeline has caused deep concern across Europe, where leaders view the terms as dangerously one-sided, demanding major concessions that would permanently weaken Ukraine’s defensive posture.
In a pivotal address, Zelenskyy outlined the nation’s two terrible options: maintain national dignity or risk the loss of crucial support from a US administration actively pushing for Russian-favored terms. He stressed the immediate choice is between signing the deal and enduring another “extremely difficult winter.”
The President passionately argued that accepting the deal would strip Ukraine of its freedom, dignity, and justice. He cautioned strongly against trusting Russia, referencing the historical fact of two major invasions. He vowed to protect the constitution and never betray his people, recalling the defiance and refusal to surrender that marked 2022.
European leaders’ unified rejection of Trump’s map—which included forcing Ukraine to abandon cities—underscores their demand that any sustainable peace must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and must be negotiated from the existing line of contact.
