U.S. President Donald Trump announced on November 23, 2023, that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must approve a proposed peace plan regarding the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine by Thanksgiving. Trump indicated that the plan would not take effect without Zelenskyy’s endorsement, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Zelenskyy has expressed concerns that signing the proposed agreement could jeopardize Ukraine’s dignity and its critical relationship with the United States, a key international ally. According to a U.S. official, there is a strong expectation from the U.S. government that Ukraine will comply with the peace deal, and any modifications to the plan would be determined directly by Trump.
The White House has been working on this plan in the background for approximately a month. On the same day as Trump’s announcement, Zelenskyy met with U.S. Vice President Vance and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to discuss the intricacies of the proposal.
Zelenskyy conveyed the gravity of the situation, stating, “It’s horrible what’s happening. It’s a war that should have never happened and would have never happened if I was president. I thought they should have acted quicker. We have a way of getting peace. We think we have a way of getting peace. [Zelenskyy] is going to have to approve it.”
The circulated points of the proposed plan, which have not yet been independently verified, suggest that Ukraine may be required to cede control of certain eastern territories, including the Donbas, and possibly areas it currently governs. Additional stipulations may include limiting the size of Ukraine’s military and foregoing aspirations for NATO membership in exchange for security guarantees from the United States.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that the proposal could serve as a foundation for a peace agreement. However, he denied that substantive discussions are currently taking place between Russia and Ukraine.
European allies and NATO members are also engaged in consultations regarding this development. They are expected to meet with Ukrainian officials during the upcoming G20 international summit. Notably, President Trump will not be attending this summit.
As the deadline approaches, the implications of the proposed peace plan continue to ripple through international relations and regional stability, making it a pivotal moment for Ukraine and its allies.
