Zelensky Frustrated by Trump’s Threats, Hints at Possible Concession

Darwin, 22 November –

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the country is going through one of the most difficult moments in its history amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s pressure and harsh ultimatum. His remarks reflected frustration and a hint of possible capitulation.

According to a report by The Guardian, Trump is pressuring Ukraine to sign a 28-point “peace plan” by next Thursday—U.S. Thanksgiving Day—under Washington’s supervision.

If implemented, the plan would require Ukraine to cede key territories, including the eastern Donbas region, to Russia and reduce its military capabilities.

Standing in front of the presidential office during a solemn 10-minute address on Friday, Zelensky said, “The country now faces an impossible choice. On one side is the protection of national dignity; on the other is the risk of losing vital U.S. support.”

“The pressure being placed on Ukraine right now is beyond imagination,” he said. Zelensky warned that accepting Trump’s plan would amount to “peace in exchange for freedom, dignity, and justice.”

Meanwhile, Trump told Fox Radio that he believes Thursday is the “right time” for the plan to be signed.

He claimed Ukraine would not be able to hold off Russian forces in Donbas and that his aggressive timeline is meant to quickly end the war.

Senior U.S. administration officials have also suggested that if Kyiv does not agree to the plan, the United States may further restrict intelligence sharing and arms supplies.

One official said, “The United States has made it clear that it expects Ukraine to agree to the deal.”

European countries have taken a hard stance against the plan. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom told Zelensky over the phone that any peace agreement must be fair and must respect Ukraine’s sovereign status.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “A just and sustainable peace is essential. Ukraine must determine its own future—that is the core principle.”

Trump’s plan includes conditions such as downsizing Ukraine’s armed forces, abandoning long-range weapons, and blocking its path to NATO membership. It also excludes European peacekeepers.

The plan was drafted during a meeting in Miami between Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev and Trump’s representative Steve Witkoff—without Ukraine or Europe present.

Zelensky spoke with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Friday. Vance has previously pressured Ukraine to reach a quick settlement.

After the call, Zelensky said they are trying to find a path to a “dignified and effective peace.”

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that rewarding aggression would create a “highly dangerous precedent” in the world.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed he has received a draft of the plan and said it could serve as a “foundation” for a final peace deal.

However, the Kremlin also wants additional conditions—such as a permanent ban on NATO’s eastward expansion and Ukraine’s constitutional neutrality.

Inside Ukraine, dissatisfaction with the plan is widespread.

From civil society to political circles, many see it as “coercion toward betrayal” of the country.

Zelensky himself admitted that although the people want the war to end, “even the hardest metal can break”—a remark seen as a sign of possible compromise.

However, he assured that while he will work constructively with the United States, he will never sacrifice Ukraine’s sovereignty.

“We did not go against Ukraine in 2022, and we will not do so now,” Zelensky declared firmly.