Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing one of the most difficult decisions of his presidency. Already weakened by corruption allegations at home and battlefield setbacks, he is now under mounting pressure from Washington to respond to a US-backed peace proposal that strongly reflects Russian interests. The 28-point plan, negotiated between American and Russian envoys, would require Ukraine to surrender territory, limit the size of its army and abandon its ambition to join NATO — demands Kyiv has repeatedly rejected. But with support from the United States dwindling, Zelensky’s room to manoeuvre is rapidly shrinking, the New York Times reported.
A choice between dignity and survival
In a televised address, Zelensky framed the situation starkly: accept conditions that undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty or risk losing the United States as a partner. He hinted that Washington had warned of reduced assistance if Kyiv refuses to engage, noting that remaining US support is already largely confined to intelligence sharing. He warned of a harsh winter ahead and said Ukraine could face “extremely difficult” consequences if it rejects the proposal outright. His message captured a growing sense of urgency as Ukraine’s battlefield and political positions weaken simultaneously.
Seeking European backing
Zelensky has once again turned to European leaders for support, speaking with the leaders of France, Germany and Britain. His strategy mirrors previous moments when Europe stepped in to soften US pressure, providing weapons or diplomatic cover when relations with Washington became strained. European governments have expressed outrage over the plan, arguing it would undermine Ukraine’s long-term security and reward Russian aggression. Whether Zelensky can secure firm European backing now will shape his ability to negotiate with the Trump administration.
What the plan demands
According to a draft circulated online, the peace proposal contains several elements that Kyiv finds unacceptable. Ukraine would be required to amend its constitution to abandon its goal of joining NATO, recognise Russian control over Donetsk and Luhansk, and cap its military at 600,000 troops. NATO forces would be barred from operating in Ukraine, effectively ending European plans for a postwar security presence. Ukraine would also have to withdraw from key cities it still holds in the east, turning them into a demilitarised zone.
In return, the plan promises reconstruction funds drawn from frozen Russian assets and vague security guarantees if Russia attacks again. Moscow would gain major geopolitical rewards, including readmission to the Group of 8 and reintegration into the global economy. Critics say these concessions hand Russia much of what it sought through war, while offering Ukraine assurances that lack clarity and depend heavily on political will in Washington.
Domestic weakness and battlefield strain
The timing of the proposal coincides with a political crisis in Kyiv. A corruption scandal involving ministers and associates of the president has damaged Zelensky’s credibility, giving Moscow and Washington greater leverage. Ukraine’s military position has also deteriorated. Shortages of soldiers have opened gaps along the front, allowing Russian forces to make incremental advances. Kyiv faces growing financial pressure as European plans to fund its 2026 budget through loans tied to frozen Russian assets appear uncertain.
Changing public sentiment
After years of resisting concessions to Russia, Ukrainian public opinion has shifted dramatically. Support for a negotiated peace has risen from about 10 percent in 2022 to more than 70 percent today, according to recent polling. Exhaustion, casualties and economic hardship have softened resistance to compromise, though many Ukrainians remain wary of any deal that appears to legitimise Russia’s territorial claims or undermine national sovereignty.
Moscow senses an opening
Russian officials have publicly welcomed the proposal as a potential basis for settlement, while making clear they are prepared to continue fighting. President Vladimir Putin used recent public appearances to emphasise battlefield gains and portray Ukraine as running out of options. His spokesman argued that Ukraine’s ability to make independent decisions is shrinking as it loses territory. Ukrainian analysts believe Russia is pressing for a deal now to exploit Zelensky’s vulnerability and complicate European decisions on frozen Russian funds.
Uncertain negotiations ahead
The talks that produced the plan occurred outside traditional diplomatic channels, led by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian official Kirill Dmitriev. The informal nature of the negotiations has alarmed European governments, who fear being sidelined. Many of the plan’s requirements lie beyond Ukraine’s control, including major changes in NATO policy and Russia’s acceptance into Western institutions. Analysts say the proposal could either serve as a starting point for negotiations or collapse if treated as a fixed outcome.
For Zelensky, the challenge is balancing national dignity with political and military survival. Accepting the plan risks conceding core principles for which Ukraine has fought since 2014. Rejecting it could mean facing Russia and winter without crucial American support. The coming days will determine whether Kyiv can rally European backing — or whether the pressure from Washington and Moscow will force a painful decision.
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