Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared his nation is confronting one of the most difficult moments in its modern history, facing what he termed an 'impossible choice' over a US-drafted peace plan. The proposal, aggressively pushed by the Trump administration, demands that Kyiv cede occupied territories to Russia and make other severe concessions.
Western Allies Rally at G20 Summit
In a pivotal show of solidarity, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is scheduled to meet with Ukraine's key allies at the G20 summit in Johannesburg this Saturday. The objective is to strengthen the US-backed initiative to end the war, even as European leaders express deep reservations. This high-stakes diplomatic gathering follows a crucial call on Friday between Zelenskyy and the leaders of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, and Keir Starmer collectively reaffirmed their support for Ukraine's sovereignty. They insisted that any agreement to conclude the conflict must be genuinely fair and respect Ukraine's own red lines, a clear signal of their unease with the current American proposal.
The US Ultimatum and Russian Approval
US officials have indicated that President Trump is pursuing an aggressive timeline to end the conflict, placing unprecedented pressure on Kyiv. In a stark confirmation, Trump stated that next Thursday, Thanksgiving in the US, would be an acceptable deadline for Zelenskyy to sign the deal.
The plan has been met with stark criticism from European and Ukrainian officials, who argue it amounts to a de facto surrender or 'capitulation'. Reports suggest the Trump administration is threatening to cut off vital intelligence sharing and weapons supplies if Ukraine refuses to comply.
Adding significant weight to these concerns, Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly endorsed the plan. He stated that Ukraine is being unrealistic by not accepting it, claiming that Kyiv and its European allies are still under illusions about defeating Russia militarily. His positive response has further solidified the view that the deal heavily favours Russian interests.
Zelenskyy's Sombre Warning and Global Repercussions
In a solemn ten-minute address delivered outside the presidential palace on Friday, President Zelenskyy outlined the grave dilemma. He warned that agreeing to the US-Russian plan, which forces territorial concessions, could leave Ukraine without freedom, dignity, and justice.
The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, echoed the critical importance of the terms of any peace deal. She emphasised that how the war ends matters, stating, Russia has no legal right whatsoever to any concessions from the country it invaded. She affirmed that the ultimate decision on any agreement must rest with Ukraine alone.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues to escalate. A Ukrainian drone attack targeted energy facilities in Russia's Samara region on Saturday, killing two people in the city of Syzran, according to the local governor.
In a related development, US officials are growing increasingly concerned about a meeting held in Miami at the end of October. The gathering involved representatives from the Trump administration, including Jared Kushner, and a sanctioned Russian envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, to draft the initial plans to end the war.
