Ukraine Rejects US Peace Plan as Putin Welcomes Proposal That Favors Russian Demands

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday rejected a US-proposed peace plan for Ukraine, while Russian President Vladimir Putin embraced the proposal that incorporates many of his stringent demands.

With President Donald Trump setting a deadline of less than a week for Ukraine's response, Zelensky committed to ensuring any agreement would not compromise Ukraine's interests, while acknowledging the risk of losing Washington's support.

Putin indicated the proposal could establish groundwork for a final peace settlement but threatened further territorial seizures if Ukraine abandoned negotiations.

In an address to his nation, Zelensky described this as one of Ukraine's most challenging historical moments and stated he would offer alternatives to Trump's 28-point plan.

Kyiv and European allies were taken aback by the proposal, which would require Ukraine to surrender territory, reduce its military forces, and abandon NATO aspirations.

The draft plan, reviewed by AFP, would grant Russia territory, reintegration into the global economy, and restoration of its G8 membership.

Putin, in a televised security council meeting, claimed, "Ukraine and its European allies are still living under illusions and dreaming of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield."

He warned that if Kyiv rejects negotiations, Russia's claimed capture of the Ukrainian city Kupiansk "will inevitably be repeated in other key areas of the front line," though Ukrainian forces maintain they still control Kupiansk.

Zelensky recalled his leadership during Russia's 2022 invasion, affirming, "we did not betray Ukraine then, we will not do so now."

"I will present arguments, I will persuade, I will propose alternatives," he added.

Trump stated at the White House that next Thursday was an "appropriate time" for Zelensky to agree to terms, though he indicated flexibility.

"He'll have to like it, and if he doesn't like it, then you know, they should just keep fighting," Trump told reporters. "At some point he's going to have to accept something."

Following discussions with US Vice President JD Vance, Zelensky affirmed Ukraine continues to "respect" Trump's desire to end the conflict.

He also held emergency consultations with German, French, and British leaders as Europe, excluded from the process, scrambled to respond.

Zelensky's office confirmed he plans to speak directly with Trump soon.

The US proposal envisions recognizing Moscow-controlled territories as "de-facto" Russian and requiring Ukrainian withdrawal from parts of the Donetsk region.

It would also limit Ukraine's military to 600,000 personnel, preclude NATO membership, and prohibit NATO forces on Ukrainian soil.

In exchange, Ukraine would receive unspecified "reliable security guarantees" and reconstruction funding using frozen Russian assets held in foreign accounts.

"Right now is one of the most difficult moments in our history," Zelensky stated. "The pressure on Ukraine is one of the hardest. Ukraine may face a very difficult choice: either the loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner."

Key allies Britain, France, and Germany expressed their "unwavering and full support for Ukraine on the path to a lasting and just peace" in a joint statement following their call with Zelensky.

The United States bypassed European consultation in developing the plan, leaving many European governments unsettled by the prospect of the war concluding on Moscow's terms.

Putin revealed that an early version of the plan was discussed with Trump even before their August 15 meeting in Alaska, where Putin claimed he told Trump that Russia was prepared "to show flexibility" in resolving the conflict.

Putin added that Russia is open to detailed discussion of Trump's plan but would otherwise continue the war.

Trump's administration has previously denied working with Moscow on the proposal.

The White House has given Zelensky until November 27, Thanksgiving in the United States, to decide on what it termed a "good plan" for both Russia and Ukraine.

In Kyiv, public opinion was divided over whether Ukraine should engage with the proposal to negotiate better terms or reject it as capitulation.

Yanina, a 41-year-old seamstress, predicted the proposal would lead nowhere and the conflict would continue.

"Neither us nor Russia will make concessions," she said.