https://www.axios.com/2025/11/21/zelensky-respond-trump-ukraine-peace-planPresident Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Ukrainian people on Friday and said President Trump's 28-point peace plan will force Ukraine to choose between "losing our dignity" or risking the loss of U.S. support.
The plan would force Ukraine to accept harsh concessions, including the loss of even more territory than Russia currently controls. Zelensky has told the Trump administration he's prepared to negotiate, but the White House is pushing him to sign within one week.
"This is one of the most difficult moments in our history," Zelensky said in his video address. "The pressure on Ukraine is now among the heaviest. Ukraine may now face a very difficult choice: the loss of dignity, or the risk of losing a key partner." Zelensky warned that Ukraine faces an "extremely harsh winter" if he spurns Trump's offer. He said U.S. officials "expect an answer from us."
Given his claim that accepting the current deal would force Ukraine to accept "life without freedom, without dignity, without justice," it doesn't sound as though his answer can possibly be yes. However, he said he would work with the U.S. to find solutions: "I will provide arguments, I will persuade, propose alternatives." Zelensky made clear he will be leaning heavily on European support as he comes under intense pressure from the US.
Zelensky spoke by phone on Friday with the leaders of France, Germany and the U.K., all of whom are helping Ukraine shape its response to the U.S. plan and come up with alternative proposals. "We remember Europe was with us. We believe Europe will be with us," Zelensky said in his speech.
Zelensky also spoke with Vice President Vance on Friday. The White House has made clear it wants him to sign by Thanksgiving, two sources told Axios' Barak Ravid.
