Trump gives Zelensky deadline to respond to peace proposal

(MENAFN) US negotiators have reportedly given Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky only a few days to respond to a peace proposal that would require Kyiv to cede portions of territory to Russia in exchange for unspecified security assurances, according to officials familiar with the discussions.

One source indicated that US President Donald Trump was aiming for a deal by Christmas, though Zelensky told American envoys he needed additional time to consult with European allies. While Trump had previously expressed a desire to see an agreement by Thanksgiving, he later clarified that no formal deadline was set.

The peace plan submitted in November reportedly calls for Ukraine to withdraw forces from areas of Russia’s Donbass region currently under Kyiv’s control—a key condition Moscow has outlined for a wider ceasefire.

During a visit to London, Zelensky acknowledged that the US was encouraging him to consider “a compromise,” but emphasized that no agreement had been reached regarding territory. He reiterated that Ukraine would not relinquish land without fighting.

Meanwhile, Russian forces have continued advancing along multiple fronts, while Ukrainian commanders report being outgunned and struggling to replenish personnel losses. In early December, Russia announced the capture of Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), a city in Donbass that President Vladimir Putin described as a critical “bridgehead” for further military operations.

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