Facing immense pressure from Donald Trump to sign a controversial peace deal ceding territory to Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed to “defend the nation’s constitution” and “never betray its people.” Zelenskyy warned the country is entering one of its most difficult modern periods, calling the US-backed proposal nothing short of capitulation.
The pressure cooker intensified with Trump setting an aggressive deadline, designating Thanksgiving next Thursday as the “acceptable deadline” for the deal’s finalization. This swift timeline has fueled deep concern across Europe, where leaders view the terms as dangerously one-sided, demanding major concessions that would permanently weaken Ukraine’s defensive position.
In a resolute speech outside the presidential palace, Zelenskyy articulated the nation’s profound “impossible choice”: maintain national dignity or risk losing support from a US administration pushing for Moscow-friendly terms. He framed the immediate decision as accepting the plan or enduring another “extremely difficult winter.”
The President passionately defended the necessity of holding firm, arguing the deal would unjustly strip Ukraine of its freedom, dignity, and justice. He issued a serious warning against trusting Russia, referencing the historical fact of two previous attacks. He proudly recalled Ukraine’s defiant refusal to surrender in 2022 as the foundation of his vow to remain steadfast now.
European leaders immediately rejected Trump’s proposed map, which would force Kyiv to abandon key urban centers and military resources. They emphasized that any sustainable peace must prioritize Ukraine’s sovereignty and must be negotiated based on the existing line of contact, decisively rejecting terms dictated by Russia.