Zelensky warns Ukraine risks losing US support over White House peace plan

November 21, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a grave warning that Ukraine faces an extremely difficult decision between maintaining its sovereignty and potentially losing crucial American military support. A leaked US peace proposal contains terms heavily favoring Russia, including Ukraine surrendering control of eastern territories, drastically reducing its military forces to 600,000 troops, and abandoning NATO membership aspirations. Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated the plan could serve as a foundation for negotiations while remaining prepared to continue military operations, and President Trump has pressured Zelensky to accept the proposal by late November.

Who is affected

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian government
Ukrainian civilians, both in government-controlled areas and Russian-occupied territories
Ukrainian military personnel and families of fallen soldiers
Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government
US President Donald Trump and senior Pentagon officials
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
Ukrainian security official Rustem Umerov (implicated in drafting the plan)
US Vice-President JD Vance, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, and US special envoy Steve Witkoff

What action is being taken

Zelensky is addressing the nation and holding meetings with his security cabinet
Washington is pressing Kyiv to quickly accept the peace plan
Ukraine is "calmly working with America and all the partners... offering alternatives" to the proposed peace plan
Zelensky is consulting with UK, French, and German leaders
Russia continues making small territorial gains in south-eastern Ukraine
World leaders are discussing the proposal at the G20 summit in South Africa
Russian forces continue military operations along the front line

Why it matters

This represents a critical juncture in the Ukraine-Russia war that could determine Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The leaked peace plan would legitimize Russia's territorial conquests and reward military aggression, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for international law and encouraging future invasions. Ukraine's reliance on US military support, including advanced weaponry and air defense systems, makes American pressure particularly consequential. The proposal also has broader geopolitical implications, as it would reintegrate Russia into the global economy despite its invasion, potentially undermining the international sanctions regime and weakening deterrence against future acts of aggression.

What's next

Ukraine has until November 27 (Thanksgiving) to agree to the peace deal, though Trump indicated deadlines could be extended if things are "going well"
World leaders will discuss the current proposal at the G20 summit in South Africa and "look at how we can strengthen this plan for the next phase of negotiations"
Ukraine will continue working with America and partners to offer alternatives to the proposed peace plan

Read full article from source: BBC