URGENT UPDATE: President Donald Trump has imposed a Thanksgiving deadline for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to approve a controversial peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. This ultimatum, announced on November 17, 2023, has raised significant concerns over Ukraine’s sovereignty and the potential loss of Western support.
In a statement, Trump emphasized the need for swift action, declaring, “We have a way of getting peace. [Zelenskyy] is going to have to approve it.” The proposed plan reportedly requires Ukraine to relinquish control of parts of the eastern region, including the Donbas, and to limit its military capacity, while foregoing NATO membership in favor of security guarantees from the United States.
Zelenskyy faces a daunting dilemma. He has voiced fears that signing the agreement could compromise Ukraine’s dignity and jeopardize its critical alliance with the U.S. A U.S. official told Scripps News that the expectation for Ukraine’s agreement is strong, with changes to the plan to be decided “by the president himself.”
Earlier today, Zelenskyy met with Vice President Vance and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to discuss the intricate details of the peace proposal. The ongoing discussions highlight the urgency of the situation, as European allies and NATO members are also consulting with Ukraine on the evolving developments.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that the agreement could serve as a “basis” for peace, though he refuted claims of any substantive negotiations currently taking place. Tensions remain high, and as the G20 Summit approaches, where discussions on the situation are anticipated, the pressure mounts for Zelenskyy to make a difficult choice.
The implications of this peace plan extend beyond Ukraine’s borders, as it may reshape the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe. As the deadline looms, the eyes of the international community are fixed on how Ukraine will respond to this pivotal moment.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
