President Donald Trump has delivered a pointed message to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, warning that continued resistance to a proposed peace agreement with Russia could result in Ukraine losing even more territory—or the country altogether.
The peace plan reportedly backed by the U.S. would require Ukraine to relinquish control over Crimea and significant parts of the eastern regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. In exchange, Ukraine would receive security guarantees from Western allies and a formal pause in hostilities.
Zelensky has firmly rejected the proposal, stating that surrendering sovereign territory contradicts Ukraine’s constitution and would legitimize military aggression. He reiterated Ukraine’s stance that its internationally recognized borders are non-negotiable.
Trump criticized the refusal, calling it unrealistic given the current military landscape. He claimed Ukraine lacks leverage and warned that rejecting the terms could lead to a broader collapse of its defensive position.
The warning has sparked debate among international observers, with divisions emerging over whether a negotiated settlement or continued resistance offers the best path forward. Despite the pressure, Ukraine’s leadership maintains it will not trade land for temporary peace.