US President Donald Trump is pushing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept a new 28-point plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine, which heavily tilts in Moscow's favor. This comes as Zelensky faces mounting pressure due to corruption scandals and setbacks on the battlefield.
Trump expects Zelensky to respond to his proposal by next Thursday, and has made it clear that he believes the Ukrainian leader lacks the leverage to resist Trump's demands. In a recent phone call with Zelensky, Trump told him: "You don't have the cards." This echoed comments made earlier this year in an Oval Office meeting where Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Zelensky for not showing enough gratitude for US military aid.
Under Trump's proposal, Ukraine would be required to concede significant territory to Russia, including its eastern Donbas region. This is a highly contentious issue, with estimates suggesting it could take several years for the Russian military to fully seize the area. Trump claims that Ukraine will inevitably lose control of this land but is pressuring Zelensky to accept a surrender.
The plan also includes provisions that would significantly reduce Ukraine's military capabilities and compromise its sovereignty. One element calls on Russia and Ukraine to abolish "all discriminatory measures" and guarantee the rights of Ukrainian and Russian media and education, effectively allowing Putin to legitimize his claims of a neo-Nazi regime in Ukraine.
Many analysts believe that Zelensky has little choice but to accept Trump's proposal or risk losing support from his government and the international community. As Kyiv grapples with another difficult winter due to Russia's relentless aerial attacks, the pressure is mounting on the Ukrainian leader.
"This is a rationalistic assessment that there is more leverage over Zelensky than over Putin," said Konstantin Sonin, a Russian expert at the University of Chicago. "Zelensky's back is against the wall" and "his government could collapse if he agrees to this proposal."
However, many also question Trump's motives for pushing such an unfavorable deal, particularly given his history with Ukraine and his previous efforts to pressure Zelensky into making concessions.
The proposal reflects a disturbing trend in Trump's approach to foreign policy, where he prioritizes short-term gains over long-term stability and security. As the world watches, it remains to be seen whether Zelensky will find a way to resist or negotiate a better deal for Ukraine.
Trump expects Zelensky to respond to his proposal by next Thursday, and has made it clear that he believes the Ukrainian leader lacks the leverage to resist Trump's demands. In a recent phone call with Zelensky, Trump told him: "You don't have the cards." This echoed comments made earlier this year in an Oval Office meeting where Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Zelensky for not showing enough gratitude for US military aid.
Under Trump's proposal, Ukraine would be required to concede significant territory to Russia, including its eastern Donbas region. This is a highly contentious issue, with estimates suggesting it could take several years for the Russian military to fully seize the area. Trump claims that Ukraine will inevitably lose control of this land but is pressuring Zelensky to accept a surrender.
The plan also includes provisions that would significantly reduce Ukraine's military capabilities and compromise its sovereignty. One element calls on Russia and Ukraine to abolish "all discriminatory measures" and guarantee the rights of Ukrainian and Russian media and education, effectively allowing Putin to legitimize his claims of a neo-Nazi regime in Ukraine.
Many analysts believe that Zelensky has little choice but to accept Trump's proposal or risk losing support from his government and the international community. As Kyiv grapples with another difficult winter due to Russia's relentless aerial attacks, the pressure is mounting on the Ukrainian leader.
"This is a rationalistic assessment that there is more leverage over Zelensky than over Putin," said Konstantin Sonin, a Russian expert at the University of Chicago. "Zelensky's back is against the wall" and "his government could collapse if he agrees to this proposal."
However, many also question Trump's motives for pushing such an unfavorable deal, particularly given his history with Ukraine and his previous efforts to pressure Zelensky into making concessions.
The proposal reflects a disturbing trend in Trump's approach to foreign policy, where he prioritizes short-term gains over long-term stability and security. As the world watches, it remains to be seen whether Zelensky will find a way to resist or negotiate a better deal for Ukraine.
. Trump's plan is basically asking Zelensky to roll over and let Russia take control of huge chunks of his country, which is just not fair 
. I mean, think about it - Ukraine has been fighting a war against Russia for years, and now Trump wants them to give up all their territory? That's just crazy talk 
.
. It's like Trump thinks he can just force Zelensky to make deals without even considering what's best for Ukraine 
. I'm not sure what's going on with Trump's motives, but it seems like he's more interested in pleasing Russia than in actually helping Ukraine secure its future 
.
. And let's not forget about all the corruption scandals that are already affecting Zelensky - he needs all the support he can get right now 
.
, but I'm not so sure 
. Putin and his government are playing a long game, and they're not going to give up their interests easily 
. Ukraine needs to be careful and make smart decisions if it wants to come out on top of this 
.
. One thing's for sure - Ukraine deserves better than a deal that prioritizes Russia's interests over its own 
.
They're already dealing with corruption scandals and Russia's aerial attacks... adding more pressure on them isn't exactly fair.
I can see why analysts think Zelensky might have little choice but to accept it, but that doesn't mean he should. Doesn't he deserve better than to be bullied by Trump?
I don't think we're getting the whole story, but one thing's for sure: this proposal needs a lot more scrutiny. 
... seems like he's more concerned about appeasing putin than actually helping ukraine out of this mess. gotta wonder what's really in it for him, tbh. if i were zelensky, i'd be super cautious about accepting this proposal - it sounds like a total giveaway to russia. can't help but think that trump's just trying to score some points with putin and his pals 
Like, what even is this dude thinkin'? 
It's so sad for Ukraine, they're literally fightin' for their lives over there.
Like, what's the point of even havin' a president if you're just gonna prioritize your own ego over the needs of the country? It's just so...so...embarrassing. 
. I mean, who does that? And what's with the "you don't have the cards" comment? That's some pretty condescending talk right there 
.
. It just needs to stand up for itself and fight for its rights.
. This guy's history with Ukraine is checkered at best, so I wouldn't put it past him to be trying to pull a fast one on Zelensky 
.
it's all about giving in and compromise when the real issue here is who's playing games with ukraine's sovereignty 
we need to support zelensky and ukraine, not make them give up their land for nothing 
they gotta love the guy who thinks he can negotiate with Zelensky like hes some kinda used car salesman. Newsflash, US: just cuz you gave Ukraine some cash dont mean we owe them anything. And honestly, Ukraine's been getting wrecked by the Russians anyway, so whats a few more concessions? 
"You don't have the cards" – yeah, that's a great line to get under your skin, Donald... 
Trump is literally pressuring Zelensky to give up all their land to Russia? 
!
It's a total power grab and I'm calling BS on this whole thing