Edith Hejberg
Critics fear the deal could push Ukraine into an agreement that favors Moscow more than Kyiv, undermining Ukrainian sovereignty.
President Donald Trump has scrapped his Thursday deadline for Ukraine to accept a US-backed peace plan, telling reporters aboard Air Force One: “The deadline for me is when it’s over.”
The shift marks a significant softening in tone, as earlier remarks had suggested pressure on Kyiv to act quickly.
Peace talks reportedly ‘moving forward’
Speaking en route to Florida for Thanksgiving, Trump said negotiations between US, Russian, and Ukrainian officials were progressing.
He hinted that Moscow had made some concessions, although he didn’t specify what they were. Talks, he said, were now focused on achieving “something real.”
US peace proposal stirs fresh tensions
A leaked outline of the US-drafted proposal has reignited concerns that Washington might be leaning too far toward Russia’s interests.
Critics fear the deal could push Ukraine into an agreement that favors Moscow more than Kyiv, undermining Ukrainian sovereignty.
Russia fumes over leaked call with US envoy
Tensions escalated after a leaked recording revealed US envoy Steve Witkoff allegedly coaching a Putin aide on how to present terms to Trump.
Moscow slammed the revelation as “interference,” accusing Washington of manipulating the negotiation process behind closed doors.
Witkoff set to visit Moscow
Trump confirmed that Steve Witkoff would soon travel to Moscow for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The visit signals that the Trump administration is actively trying to revive momentum behind its peace plan, despite recent public backlash.
Kushner brought in for support
Adding to the diplomatic push, Trump said his son-in-law Jared Kushner was now involved in the peace process.
Kushner, who previously helped broker the Gaza ceasefire, is expected to support efforts to establish trust between all parties involved.
Ukraine holds its ground
Despite mounting pressure, Ukraine has so far resisted endorsing the US plan. President Volodymyr Zelensky has responded with caution, reportedly telling aides the country is still “waiting for the next attack” from Russia and remains skeptical about the deal’s guarantees.
Trump open to summit—on one condition
Trump says he’s ready to meet both Putin and Zelensky “soon,” but only under specific terms.
He didn’t elaborate on the condition but made clear that any meeting would require meaningful progress in talks. “We won’t meet just for a photo op,” a White House source later added.
New 19-point peace plan replaces old deal
The original Trump-supported proposal has now been replaced with a revised 19-point peace plan.
Details remain under wraps, but aides say it’s a broader, more comprehensive roadmap, one that aims to address longstanding territorial and security disputes.
Critics warn Ukraine could be cornered
Policy analysts warn that the new US plan risks cornering Ukraine into a no-win scenario.
“Putin will continue to stall because he wants more territory,” one critic said. Others argue that Ukraine shouldn’t be forced into a deal under artificial time pressure.
Trump’s shifting stance fuels speculation
The decision to walk back the deadline and revamp the plan has fueled speculation about Trump’s real objectives.
Is the White House playing for peace, or simply positioning itself ahead of the 2026 elections by appearing diplomatic?
Putin remains largely silent
While Russian officials have made vague comments, President Putin himself has remained mostly silent.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov gave a curt four-word response when asked about the deal: “We’re studying the proposal.”
Thanksgiving break, but not for diplomacy
Though Trump is spending Thanksgiving in Florida, his administration is still pushing hard for a deal. Aides say calls and back-channel discussions are ongoing.
“This isn’t about deadlines,” one senior official said. “It’s about ending the war, on our terms.”
