Trump warns Zelenskyy: Accept US peace plan or brace for more war

Journalists reminded Trump that today, Zelenskyy said Ukraine risks either losing its partner or losing its dignity. In response, the American leader said that the president of Ukraine would have to accept the peace plan.

“He will have to like it. And if he doesn't like it, then, you know, they should just keep fighting against,” Trump replied.

Then members of the media recalled Trump’s earlier suggestion today that if Zelenskyy does not accept the plan, the US would reduce its support for Ukraine. Responding to this, the US leader said that Zelenskyy should have made a deal a year or two ago.

“Well, at some point, he’s going to have to accept something. He hasn't accepted. You remember, right in the Oval Office, not so long ago, I said: You don't have the cards. Don’t forget, I inherited this war. This war wouldn't have happened. I inherited this war. And I thought he should have made a deal a year ago, two years ago,” the US president said.

He added that the best deal would have been for the war not to start at all. According to Trump, that too could have been achieved if there had been the right president. But then, as the current White House chief says, there was no right president.

Donald Trump also said that Ukraine needs to act faster because winter will be cold. He believes there is a way to achieve peace.

In addition, according to the US president, Ukraine and Russia each lose a total of about 25,000 soldiers every month.

US peace plan for Ukraine

Media outlets have reported that the US peace plan was drafted by Trump’s special representative, Steve Witkoff, with the support of Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev. The document consists of 28 points.

According to the plan, Ukraine would have to withdraw from the Donbas, reduce the size of its Armed Forces, give up long-range weapons, and more. In return, the country would receive long-term security guarantees. According to Axios, these would be guarantees similar to those of NATO.

At the same time, The Guardian writes that Russians were involved in drafting the plan because the document contains strange phrases - some of which appear to have originally been written in Russian.

According to Sky News, next week, Zelenskyy and Trump will have a phone call regarding the plan. Trump himself has publicly confirmed that the deadline for signing the agreement is next Thursday.

Additionally, this evening, Zelenskyy released a video address to Ukrainians regarding the US peace plan. He said that Ukraine may now face a very difficult choice and that this is one of the most challenging moments in its history.

For more details about the US peace plan, its provisions, and the aggressive timeline, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.