Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy both indicated Friday that they were willing to discuss President Donald Trump’s new 28-point peace proposal, but each cast doubt on its viability as the White House pushes for a framework before Thanksgiving.
Zelenskyy, addressing Ukrainians in a somber national speech, warned that Kyiv may soon be forced to confront a painful choice between preserving “dignity” and protecting its relationship with its most important ally — a reference widely interpreted as the United States.
He said the coming week would be “very difficult,” cautioning that Ukraine would not accept any settlement that amounted to surrender.
“We did not betray Ukraine then; we will not do it now,” he said, recalling the earliest days of the war.
Trump’s proposal — drafted with input from both U.S. officials and a close ally of Putin — includes concessions long sought by Moscow and previously rejected by Kyiv. A draft obtained by ABC News calls for Ukraine to cede additional territory in the Donbas region and cut its military forces by more than half.
The plan would provide U.S. security guarantees similar to NATO’s, allowing the United States and its allies to respond militarily to future Russian aggression.
Putin, speaking during a televised session of Russia’s national security council, said Moscow views the plan as a potential “basis” for a final settlement and is prepared to negotiate. He described the proposal as an updated version of ideas previously discussed during a summer summit with Trump in Alaska.
Despite Russia’s positive tone, Putin blamed Ukraine for a lack of progress, claiming the United States had “not yet secured the agreement of the Ukrainian side.”
“Apparently, Ukraine and its European allies are still under the illusion that they can inflict a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield,” he said. If Kyiv refuses negotiations, he warned, Russia will continue to pursue its aims by force.
Zelenskyy rejected that framing, saying Putin would try to portray Ukraine as the obstacle to peace. He emphasized that Kyiv would engage constructively with Washington, including in a call Friday with Vice President JD Vance, but would not accept “unjust demands.”
“We’re working to make the path forward dignified and truly effective for achieving a lasting peace,” his office said.
The plan’s rollout comes as Ukraine faces significant challenges — recent battlefield losses, mounting pressure from corruption scandals in Kyiv, and growing debate in Washington over U.S. aid.
With Trump urging rapid progress, both Moscow and Kyiv now find themselves navigating a proposal that could reshape the war — or collapse under the weight of its own political risks.
