US President Donald Trump has delivered a stark ultimatum to Ukraine, demanding it agrees to a controversial US-brokered peace proposal within days, as Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky warns the nation faces "one of the most difficult moments in our history".
The Stark Choice Facing Ukraine
In a bleak national address on Friday 21 November 2025, President Zelensky revealed his country now confronts a devastating dilemma. "Ukraine may now face a very difficult choice, either losing its dignity or the risk of losing a key partner," he stated, while vowing not to betray his nation.
The 28-point peace framework, heavily favouring Russia according to experts, would compel Ukraine to cede occupied territories, permanently abandon NATO membership ambitions, and accept strict limits on its military size. Meanwhile, Russia would be welcomed back into the G8 and gradually reintegrated into the international community with sanctions lifted case-by-case.
Pressure Tactics and International Reactions
The Trump administration is applying significant pressure on Kyiv to comply. According to Reuters sources, Washington has threatened to cut off intelligence sharing and weapons supplies if Ukraine refuses the deal. President Trump confirmed he had given Ukraine until next Thursday - US Thanksgiving to agree, though suggested deadlines could be extended "if things are working well".
European leaders have expressed grave concerns about being excluded from negotiations. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasised that "Russia's war against Ukraine is an existential threat to Europe" and warned "how it ends matters".
A joint statement from UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, France's Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Friedrich Merz insisted any agreement "would have to fully imply Ukraine, preserve its sovereignty and guarantee its future security".
Expert Analysis: A 'Non-Starter' for Ukraine?
Security analysts have raised serious concerns about the proposal's viability. Natia Seskuria of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) told The Independent the plan appears to be "an attempt by Trump to score a quick diplomatic win rather than a strategy for durable peace".
She warned that in its current form, the proposal is a "non-starter for Ukraine" as it would force Kyiv to accept major losses without credible security guarantees while allowing Russia to achieve its long-standing goal of seizing the Donbas region.
The timing of this pressure comes as Ukrainian forces face significant battlefield challenges, with Russian troops occupying almost one-fifth of the country and making advances in the east. The Kremlin has intensified its own pressure, urging Ukraine to negotiate "now" or risk losing more territory.
President Zelensky held urgent discussions with European leaders and US Vice President JD Vance on Friday, with a call to President Trump expected next week as the Thanksgiving deadline rapidly approaches.
