Trump Sets Thursday Deadline for Ukraine to Accept Contested 28‑Point Peace Plan as Zelensky Warns of a 'Difficult Moment'

US President Donald Trump has given Ukraine less than a week to accept a 28‑point peace proposal widely viewed as favoring Russia, setting a Thursday deadline that he said would be extended only if "things are working well." The draft has thrust Kyiv into a high‑stakes decision over territory, security and international alliances.

What the proposal would require

• Recognition of Russia's control over Crimea and the regions of Luhansk and Donetsk as de facto Russian territories.
• Withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from parts of eastern Donetsk, creating a demilitarized buffer zone recognized internationally as Russian territory.
• Restrictions on Ukraine’s security posture, including a pledge not to join NATO, a ban on NATO troop deployments in Ukraine, and a cap on the size of the Ukrainian armed forces at 600,000 personnel.
• A requirement to hold national elections within 100 days and an oversight board to manage implementation, reportedly to be chaired by the US president.
• Steps to reintegrate Russia into the global economy, including lifting sanctions and an invitation to rejoin a G8‑style grouping.

According to the draft, the plan would also call for an immediate halt to fighting and global funding for reconstruction. Many of these elements mirror long‑standing Kremlin demands and repeat ideas previously rejected in negotiations.

Reactions from Kyiv, Moscow and Europe

In a national video address, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine faced "one of the most difficult moments" in its history. He warned that the proposal multiplies pressure on Kyiv and could force choices that cost the country dignity or critical partnerships.

"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 key partner, or 28 difficult points, or an extremely harsh winter," Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine would work calmly and promptly with partners to seek an end to the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had received the US‑proposed plan and believed it "could form the basis of a final peace settlement," while also noting that Russia and the US had not yet conducted substantive negotiations on the draft.

European leaders have publicly reaffirmed support for Ukraine and insisted that any settlement must include Kyiv's consent. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a joint call with President Zelensky and pledged to safeguard long‑term European and Ukrainian interests. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said there should be "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine." European partners planned further consultations on the margins of the G20 summit.

Next steps and implications

The proposal, reportedly circulated by the US, has sparked intense diplomatic activity and debate. Supporters argue that a rapid settlement could halt fighting and begin reconstruction; critics say the terms would cement territorial losses for Ukraine and impose security constraints that could leave the country vulnerable.

President Trump has framed the plan as a pathway to peace and said Russia is "not looking for more war." President Zelensky said he would press for alternatives and argue Kyiv's case while refusing to betray his country.

Contributors: Samantha Waldenberg, Jennifer Hansler, Darya Tarasova, Kevin Liptak, Natasha Bertrand.