Ukraine has been presented with a stark ultimatum from the United States: accept a comprehensive peace agreement described by critics as humiliating by Thursday or face the complete withdrawal of American military backing.
The 28-Point Peace Plan
According to terms negotiated secretly between the White House and Kremlin, Kyiv would be required to surrender territory its forces have successfully defended since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The controversial agreement also mandates significant reductions to Ukraine's military capacity and compromises on national sovereignty.
President Donald Trump delivered the deadline directly to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, giving him until Thursday to make a final decision. The extensive peace proposal includes provisions that would see the United States receive substantial financial compensation for military support provided to Ukraine, alongside lucrative deals with Russia concerning rare earth minerals.
Zelensky's Response and European Reactions
In an emotional video address delivered standing in the rain outside government buildings, President Zelensky described the situation as 'one of the most difficult moments in our history'. He outlined Ukraine's precarious position: 'The pressure on Ukraine is now at its most intense. Ukraine may now face a very difficult choice: either the loss of dignity, or the risk of losing a major security partner.'
Despite the immense pressure, Zelensky vowed not to betray his country, recalling Ukraine's resilience during the initial invasion: 'We did not betray Ukraine then, we will not do so now.' He committed to working constructively with American partners while protecting Ukrainian national interests.
The proposed deal has drawn sharp criticism from European leaders. Former UK defence secretary Ben Wallace launched a stinging attack, stating: 'When will European leaders wake up and recognise that Donald Trump is only interested in dollars and running a protection racket?'
International Diplomacy Intensifies
Unsurprisingly, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the proposed settlement, suggesting it could 'form the basis of a final peace settlement'. Meanwhile, Western allies scramble to respond to the developing crisis.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, speaking from the G20 summit in South Africa, pledged continued support for Ukraine but notably avoided direct criticism of President Trump. He emphasised: 'Ukraine has been ready to negotiate for months while Russia has stalled and continued its murderous rampage.'
Behind the scenes, the UK has joined France and Germany in a diplomatic offensive to propose counter-measures and encourage the US to soften its position. However, the White House appears resistant to alternative arguments, evidenced by Sir Keir's inability to secure communication with President Trump despite deploying significant diplomatic leverage.
The situation remains critically balanced, with Professor Michael Clarke, former head of military think-tank RUSI, describing it as 'the most critical moment of the collapse of the transatlantic relationship'.
President Trump has confirmed that Thursday represents the final deadline, leaving Ukraine facing the prospect of severed military support including weapon supplies and intelligence sharing agreements unless they accept the controversial terms.
