European leaders are openly criticizing Donald Trump’s peace plan for being dangerously “one-sided,” arguing it overwhelmingly favors Moscow by demanding major territorial and military concessions from Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns the nation faces an “impossible choice,” with officials calling the US-backed proposal outright capitulation.
The pressure is extreme due to Trump’s arbitrary timeline, setting Thanksgiving next Thursday as the “acceptable deadline” for Ukraine to sign the deal. This swift ultimatum has intensified concern across Europe, as the concessions required would severely compromise Ukraine’s long-term defense capabilities.
In a pivotal speech, Zelenskyy outlined the nation’s severe dilemma: choose to preserve national dignity or risk the loss of crucial support from a US administration pushing for Moscow-aligned terms. He stressed the immediate choice is between signing the agreement and enduring another “extremely difficult winter.”
The President argued passionately that accepting the deal would strip Ukraine of its freedom, dignity, and justice. He cautioned strongly against trusting Russia, referencing the historical fact of two major invasions. He vowed to protect the constitution and never betray his people, recalling the national refusal to surrender in 2022.
European leaders’ unified rejection of Trump’s map—which included forcing Ukraine to abandon key urban centers—underscores their demand that any durable peace must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and must be negotiated from the existing line of contact, decisively rejecting terms dictated by Russia.
