Zelensky Rejects US Peace Plan, Warns of ‘Losing Dignity’

President Volodymyr Zelensky

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday dismissed a United States proposal to end the war in Ukraine, warning that accepting the plan in its current form would cost the country its “dignity,” even as he acknowledged the risk of losing Washington as a crucial ally. Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, welcomed the proposal, which incorporates several of Moscow’s long-standing demands.

With President Donald Trump giving Kyiv less than a week to sign, Zelensky pledged to ensure any agreement would not “betray” Ukraine’s interests. He said he would submit alternative proposals to Trump’s 28-point plan.

Putin said the proposal could “lay the foundation” for a final peace agreement but warned that Russia would seize more territory if Kyiv refused to negotiate.

In a national address, Zelensky described the moment as one of the most difficult in Ukraine’s history. Kyiv and its European partners were unsettled by the draft plan, which would require Ukraine to surrender territory, reduce its army and rule out NATO membership. In exchange, Russia would gain land, rejoin the global economy and return to the G8.

Risk of More Russian Gains

Putin accused Ukraine and its European allies of “living under illusions” about defeating Russia on the battlefield. He claimed Russia’s reported capture of the Ukrainian city of Kupiansk would be repeated elsewhere if Kyiv rejected peace talks. Ukraine maintains that Kupiansk remains under its control.

Zelensky invoked Ukraine’s resolve at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, saying, “We did not betray Ukraine then, and we will not do so now.”

Trump said next Thursday was an “appropriate time” for Zelensky to accept the deal, though he indicated the deadline was flexible. “He’ll have to like it,” Trump told reporters. “And if he doesn’t like it, then they should just keep fighting.”

After meeting U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Zelensky said Kyiv continues to “respect” Washington’s desire to end the war. He also held an emergency call with leaders of Germany, France and Britain as European governments scrambled to respond to a plan from which they had been excluded.

What the US Plan Demands

According to the draft, Ukraine would recognise all Moscow-controlled territories as “de facto” Russian, withdraw troops from parts of Donetsk and cap its armed forces at 600,000. It would also commit never to join NATO or host NATO troops.

In return, Ukraine would receive unspecified “reliable security guarantees” and access to reconstruction funding drawn partly from frozen Russian assets.

Zelensky cautioned that Ukraine may face a stark choice: “either the loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner.”

Britain, France and Germany reaffirmed their “unwavering and full support for Ukraine” in a joint statement following their call with Zelensky.

Moscow’s Response and Next Steps

Putin said early versions of the plan were discussed with Trump before their meeting in Alaska in August. He said Russia was ready to show “flexibility” but offered no details.

The White House has rejected suggestions that the proposal was coordinated with Moscow. The US has set 27 November, its Thanksgiving holiday, as the deadline for Ukraine to respond.

In Kyiv, public opinion remains split. Some argue Ukraine should negotiate to improve the terms, while others view the proposal as unacceptable.

Yanina, a 41-year-old seamstress, said she expects no breakthrough: “Neither us nor Russia will make concessions.”