Zelensky Rejects U.S. War-Ending Plan Backed by Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected a U.S.-proposed plan to end the war, a proposal welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin because it includes several of Moscow’s key demands, AFP reported from Kyiv.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has given Ukraine less than a week to sign the deal. Amid mounting pressure, Zelensky vowed not to agree to any settlement that would “betray” Ukraine’s interests—though he acknowledged the risk of losing the U.S. as an ally.

Putin said the plan could serve as a foundation for “lasting peace,” but warned that Russia would seize more territory if Ukraine pulled out of talks. He also claimed Ukraine and its European partners were still “delusional” about defeating Russia militarily.

In an address to the nation, Zelensky said Ukraine was facing one of the most difficult moments in its history. He announced he would present an alternative to Trump’s 28-point plan, which demands that Ukraine cede territory, reduce its military, and pledge not to join NATO—terms that have shocked Kyiv and its European allies.

According to a draft seen by AFP, the plan would grant Russia new territory, restore its access to the global economy, and allow it to rejoin the G8. Moscow would also gain formal recognition of Russian-controlled regions as de facto Russian territory, while Ukraine would need to withdraw troops from parts of Donetsk, cap its military at 600,000 troops, forgo NATO membership, and prohibit NATO deployments on its soil.

In exchange, Ukraine would receive unspecified “reliable security guarantees” and reconstruction funds sourced from frozen Russian assets abroad.

Trump told reporters at the White House that Thursday had been set as the deadline for an agreement, though he hinted the timeline could be extended. “He has to accept it,” Trump said of Zelensky. “If not, the war will go on.”

Zelensky, after meeting U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, said Ukraine still “respects” Trump’s desire to end the war. Excluding Europe from the process, however, triggered urgent discussions with leaders of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, who reaffirmed their “unwavering and full support” for Ukraine.

Zelensky’s office said he plans to meet Trump directly soon.

Putin claimed he had already discussed the plan’s initial draft with Trump before their scheduled August 15 meeting in Alaska and said Russia was ready to show “flexibility,” without elaborating.

The White House rejected accusations that Washington coordinated the plan with Moscow and stated that Zelensky has until November 27, Thanksgiving Day, to respond.

Opinions in Kyiv are split: some citizens say negotiations might secure a better position for Ukraine, while others view the proposal as a form of surrender.

Forty-one-year-old tailor Yanina said she expects no outcome from the plan: “The war will continue. Neither we nor Russia will give in.”