Trump Sets Thanksgiving Deadline for Ukraine Amid Pressure from U.S.

Ukraine is facing unprecedented pressure as the administration of former President Donald Trump pushes for a swift peace agreement with Russia. This push comes as U.S. officials have presented Kyiv with a controversial 28-point framework that includes several key demands from Moscow. These demands would require Ukraine to relinquish additional territory, limit its military capabilities, and abandon its aspirations for NATO membership, raising concerns among Ukrainian and European officials about potential capitulation.

The proposal has generated significant apprehension in Ukraine, where President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation on Thursday, describing the situation as “one of the heaviest moments” since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion. He stated that Ukraine now faces a dire choice: accept terms that could undermine its “freedom, dignity, and justice,” or risk losing critical support from a key partner interested in resolving the conflict.

In his address, Zelenskyy expressed deep reservations about trusting “someone who has already attacked us twice,” referring to Russia’s previous military actions. He reaffirmed his commitment not to violate Ukraine’s constitution or compromise its national interests. “We did not betray Ukraine then [in 2022], and we will not do so now,” he asserted.

Reports indicate that Washington has warned Ukraine that if it does not sign the proposed agreement by Thanksgiving, scheduled for November 23, 2023, the U.S. may reduce intelligence sharing and weapons deliveries. A senior U.S. military delegation met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv to emphasize the urgency of finalizing the deal, which officials characterized as having an “aggressive timeline.”

The Guardian reported that the framework has raised significant concerns among Ukrainian and European leaders, who see it as edging towards capitulation. In the past month, Zelenskyy has been vocal about the need for broader sanctions against Russian oil, urging the U.S. to expand restrictions on the entire industry in light of stalled peace negotiations. Trump’s criticism of the negotiation slowdown has been described as “very disappointing.”

As Ukraine navigates this complex landscape, the stakes are high. The potential implications of accepting the proposed framework could reshape the country’s future and influence its long-term security arrangements. The coming weeks will be critical as Ukraine weighs its options in the face of mounting external pressures.

The situation remains fluid, and the international community is watching closely as Ukraine considers its next steps in response to U.S. demands and its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.