Trump threatens to cut intelligence and weapons to pressure Ukraine into US-brokered Russia peace deal

United States President Donald Trump ramped up pressure on Ukraine by threatening to cut critical intelligence sharing and weapons supplies unless Kyiv agrees to a US-brokered peace framework with Russia.

According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, Washington is pushing Ukraine to approve a 28-point deal by November 27, 2025, coinciding with the US Thanksgiving holiday.

This deal, a brainchild of Trump, includes several key terms favorable to Russia, such as Ukraine ceding additional territories, capping its armed forces to 600,000 troops, and refraining from joining NATO.


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the situation as one of the most difficult moments in the nation’s history, confronting a painful choice between losing dignity or risking abandonment by a key ally.

“The pressure on Ukraine is one of the heaviest. Ukraine may now face a very difficult choice, either losing its dignity or the risk of losing a key partner.”

“Either 28 difficult points, or an extremely difficult winter – the most difficult one yet – and further risks,” said Zelensky.

Zelensky acknowledged receiving the draft plan and was actively engaging with US officials, including Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, to push for renewed diplomatic efforts for peace.

The controversial US peace plan reportedly accommodates Russia's main demands, including a gradual lifting of sanctions on Moscow and reinstatement of Russia to the G8, while providing “full amnesty” for war actions by all parties, raising concerns about accountability for war crimes.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed support for the plan as a possible basis for final settlement while accusing Ukraine of opposing it, urging a “responsible decision” from Kyiv.

“If Kyiv does not want to discuss President Trump’s proposals, and refuses to do so, then both it and the European warmongers must understand that the events that took place in Kupiansk [a city Russia claims to have captured] will inevitably be repeated in other key sectors of the front,” Putin said.

Amid this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a joint phone call on November 21 with Britain, Germany and France to discuss the US proposal and diplomatic paths forward.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas outlined Europe’s own plan focused on “weakening Russia and supporting Ukraine,” underscoring a commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and defense capabilities.

Experts warn that cutting intelligence could impact Ukraine's defense capabilities more severely than halting weapons deliveries, as US intelligence has been an essential factor in Ukraine’s resilience against the Russian invasion.

FAQs

Q: What is the nature of the 28-point peace plan?
The plan calls for Ukraine to concede additional territory, limit its military, renounce NATO membership, progressively lift sanctions on Russia, and enact comprehensive non-aggression agreements.

Q: What are the potential consequences if Ukraine rejects the plan?
The US may reduce or halt intelligence sharing and weapons supplies, potentially weakening Ukraine's defensive position in the war.