US President Donald Trump has increased pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to respond to Washington’s newly proposed 28-point peace framework aimed at ending Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Trump, who has long shown skepticism toward Zelensky dating back to his first term, has said he expects a clear reply from Kyiv by November 27, coinciding with the US Thanksgiving holiday.
Since returning to the White House for a second term, Trump’s approach to the Ukraine conflict has repeatedly shifted. The president initially promised he could end the war within 24 hours, later voiced admiration for Vladimir Putin, then accused Zelensky of authoritarian tendencies. At the same time, he imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow and even suggested Ukraine should regain lost territory. This inconsistent posture has left both allies and critics unsure of Washington’s long-term strategy.
The new peace proposal has intensified tensions further.
Trump argues that Zelensky lacks the leverage to keep fighting and must pursue a settlement more favourable to Moscow than to Kyiv. Early drafts of the US plan included controversial provisions requiring Ukraine to relinquish territory, drastically reduce its military strength, and commit never to join NATO. The document also mentioned potential security assurances and the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Ukraine, however, is facing immense strain. Zelensky’s government has been hit by a corruption scandal, key battlegrounds remain unstable, and the country braces for another harsh winter as Russia continues to strike its energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian leader has described the coming decisions as some of the most consequential in his nation’s history.
Amid sensitive negotiations in Geneva, Trump accused Kyiv of showing “zero gratitude” for America’s efforts. Hours later, Zelensky sought to ease tensions, writing on X that Ukraine is grateful to the United States, to every American’.
Diplomats from both countries are revising the peace plan in Geneva, with Ukrainian negotiator and security council chief Rustem Umerov stating that the latest version now incorporates many of Kyiv’s core priorities. While the document is still undergoing final edits, Ukraine says certain provisions have shifted closer to its position compared to the first draft.
Trump has urged Ukraine to approve the deal by November 27 but has hinted the deadline could be adjusted. Zelensky has not spoken directly with Trump since the proposal became public, though he expects a conversation soon likely another in a long series of difficult exchanges between the two leaders.
With both sides under pressure and the war nearing its fourth year, the coming weeks will determine whether Trump’s peace initiative becomes a turning point or another flashpoint in the already strained US-Ukraine relationship.
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
