Putin Accepts Trump Plan as Framework for Peace as Trump Gives Zelenskyy Ultimatum

Nov. 23—In remarks made before a meeting of Russia's Security Council, President Vladimir Putin has announced that he has accepted the 28‑point Trump Peace Plan for Ukraine as "basis for a final peace settlement."

Putin stated that the plan follows from the framework established in discussions he had with Trump and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff at the Aug. 15 summit in Anchorage, Alaska.

"President Trump's peace plan for settling the situation in Ukraine was discussed before the meeting in Alaska," Putin stated. "In the course of that discussion, the American side asked us to make certain compromises and show flexibility, as they said. During the talks in Anchorage, we confirmed that despite certain complex issues and difficulties for us, we still confirmed that we agree with those proposals."

The problem, said Putin, was that Ukraine rejected the proposed framework, with the delusion that if they fought on, they could get a better deal. He said that they were encouraged in this thinking by the European leadership, whose obsession with defeating Russia led to the war.

Military Victory vs. Negotiated Settlement

Putin said that Russia is winning the war, despite the massive support given by NATO to Ukraine. A military victory is both possible and may even provide a simpler basis for a settlement of issues that led Russia to initiate its special military operation in February 2022. He implied that sections of the Russian leadership believe that the pursuit of what will be a near‑term full military victory is preferable.

But Putin reported that he has been in extensive discussion with Russia's allies in the Global South, including China, and they all want Russia to work with the United States and seek a fair negotiated settlement. He said that Russia cannot ignore the demands of its allies that Russia show flexibility and a willingness for compromise and not pursue an achievable military victory against Ukraine and its NATO sponsors.

"It is with this in mind that I remain committed to a fair settlement of all issues through diplomacy," Putin stated.

The Russian President stated that the new proposal differs from what was discussed in Alaska, which was rejected by Ukraine. "I believe that is the reason why a new, in essence modernized version of the plan appeared, now comprising 28 points. We have its text," Putin said. "I believe that it, too, can form the basis of final peace settlement."

Trump’s Ultimatum to Zelenskyy

Sources close to the White House were encouraged by the Russian leader's statement, as it puts further pressure on NATO's Ukrainian dictator Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept the framework. These sources confirm that the still delusional Ukrainian leader has been given an ultimatum: either he accepts the framework and begins negotiations, or he will face a cutoff of American intelligence and weapons supplies. Trump has stated that he wants Zelenskyy's agreement by Thanksgiving (Nov. 27), although he may be willing to extend the deadline slightly.

Zelenskyy has been talking to the European NATO leadership, in particular French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Sir Keith Starmer, who have been encouraging him to hold out. "These stupid Europeans are telling the equally stupid Zelenskyy that Trump is bluffing," said a source, "that he does not have the guts to bring the hammer down on Ukraine to end this useless NATO‑backed war. Well, Trump is not playing. He is not going to go back to the Europeans/Kellogg plan, which is a non‑starter with Moscow. If Zelenskyy won't cooperate, and if the Europeans block him, then he will see what he can do to replace Zelenskyy with someone else. You blame the defeat on Zelenskyy and his corrupt networks."

Zelenskyy’s Address and Uncertainty

In an address to the nation Nov. 21, the Ukrainian dictator appeared worried and uncertain, and at times emotional. He warned that Ukraine might face a "very difficult choice: either losing [its] dignity, or risk losing a key partner," meaning the United States. "Today is one of the most difficult moments in our history," he said.

Zelenskyy claimed that he was working with Ukraine's "partners" to seek an alternative to the Trump plan, which, while not saying that he rejected it, could not be supported in its present form.

The key thing is that Trump is proceeding from the reality of the battlefield now, said a source. "He is no longer listening to people who think that the war can be won or that Ukraine is holding its own and is winning. Trump is fighting to prevent a Saigon or Kabul moment, where the U.S. allies flee in disastrous military defeat, which NATO seem intent on having."

This and other sources report that Witkoff is likely to meet with his Russian counterpart Kirill Dimitriev for another round of talks on the plan. The Budapest summit with Putin may follow as soon as next month. "If the Russians are going to be flexible," said the source, "then a deal is very possible."