By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that his country is facing a critical moment, particularly regarding a U.S. plan to end the war that is perceived as favoring Russia. The 28-point proposal, which has been reported on, reportedly pressures Ukraine to cede territory and limit its military, in exchange for an end to the conflict. Zelensky has vowed to seek a path forward while also refusing to betray Ukraine, with the plan containing elements like recognizing Russian control over certain territories and establishing a demilitarized zone. European leaders have pledged their support to Ukraine, emphasizing that decisions about the country’s fate should include its input.
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Ukraine faces losing dignity or US support with Trump’s plan to end the war, as Zelensky says, and it’s a stark choice. It boils down to this: continue the fight and potentially lose US backing, or surrender, cede territory, limit its military, and sacrifice its aspirations for a future aligned with the West. The situation is dire, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Zelensky knows this, and his words are likely a call to prepare his people for a potentially difficult future without the unwavering support they’ve come to depend on.
The very concept of “dignity” is central to the Ukrainian identity, deeply intertwined with their fight for sovereignty. The “Revolution of Dignity” in 2014 was a pivotal moment. The implications of this potential deal would be devastating, essentially forcing Ukraine to choose between its core values and its survival. The proposal, as described, sounds like a capitulation disguised as a peace plan, and it’s hard to imagine Ukrainians accepting it.
It’s difficult not to see this as a plan orchestrated by Putin, with Trump as the willing enforcer. It’s a gamble by Putin, testing the resolve of Ukraine and the West, knowing that Trump, with his history of cozying up to Russia, might be the weak link. The potential surrender plan includes severe limitations, such as a smaller army and the permanent abandonment of NATO aspirations, things Russia would want. Such a deal would essentially leave Ukraine vulnerable.
The suggested terms – ceding territory, dismantling the military, and forsaking alliances – are deeply offensive. Giving up land gained through force and limiting their military capabilities would undermine the sacrifices made and the future they are fighting for. The potential removal of the Donbas region from Ukraine’s control and giving the US the job of rebuilding Ukraine would lead to the US getting 50% profit. And it also included European countries investing $100 Billion, with no discussion. It’s a situation in which Ukraine would lose control, and the potential for a renewed attack from Russia would be high, especially with no ability to join NATO.
Furthermore, it’s not just about the potential loss of territory; it’s about the loss of sovereignty, the erosion of their hard-won freedoms, and the betrayal of those who have died fighting for their country. The proposal is deeply insulting. It’s a test of wills, and Zelensky seems to understand that his people are not likely to succumb.
The responsibility for this situation is shared. The EU is urged to step up and ensure that Ukraine gets the support it needs. The US, regardless of its internal divisions, is seen as an unreliable partner, putting the entire continent at risk. The danger is that Russia, emboldened by any perceived weakness, could quickly exploit any opening and potentially turn its focus toward the Baltics, threatening the security of Europe.
Trump is on the wrong side of history. The focus is to support Ukraine, not appease Russia. Now is the time for Europe to fill the gap left by the US. A neutral Ukraine as a shield is not a peace plan. It would be a nightmare.