Trump says Thursday is 'appropriate deadline' for Ukraine to accept U.S. plan

Trump says Thursday is 'appropriate deadline' for Ukraine to accept U.S. plan
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 19, 2025.
Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday he wants Ukraine to accept a U.S.-backed peace deal by Thursday, following warnings from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Kyiv could risk losing a “key partner” if the proposal is delayed.

The White House is seeking approval from Kyiv for a 28-point framework aimed at ending the war with Russia. “Thursday is what we think is an appropriate time,” Trump told Fox News Radio’s The Brian Kilmeade Show, adding that U.S. sanctions on Russia will remain in place while awaiting Ukraine’s response.

Officials said the Thursday timeline is a target rather than a firm deadline, and negotiations are expected to extend beyond a week due to their complexity.

Zelenskyy, in a video address to the nation, described the situation as “one of the most difficult moments in our history” and urged Ukrainians to remain united. He warned Kyiv faces tough choices between maintaining dignity and preserving critical international support, as the plan would require significant concessions.

The proposal reportedly involves Ukraine ceding parts of its eastern Donbas region to Russia, limiting its military, recognising Crimea as Russian, and committing not to join NATO. Kremlin officials have called on Ukraine to make a “responsible decision” but say they have not seen the plan’s full details.

The announcement comes amid battlefield setbacks for Ukraine and a $100 million corruption scandal involving some senior officials, though Zelenskyy has not been implicated.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the plan is intended to provide full security guarantees and a “win-win scenario” for all parties.

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