Ukraine's Sovereignty Test: Trump Ultimatum and Nov. 27 Deadline Shadow Peace Talks in Switzerland

Ukraine and the United States are set to hold high-level talks in Switzerland this week to discuss the parameters of a potential peace agreement with Russia, as Kyiv faces mounting pressure to accept a contentious 28-point U.S.-backed plan that critics say effectively capitulates to Moscow's demands. The negotiations, announced by Ukrainian Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, come amid a diplomatic scramble by European allies to revise the framework ahead of a Nov. 27 deadline.

The U.S. proposal, outlined by President Donald Trump, requires Ukraine to cede control of Crimea and parts of eastern Donbas, reduce its military by a third, abandon NATO aspirations, and hold snap elections within 100 days - all while sanctions on Russia are gradually lifted. Kyiv has labeled the plan a "virtual capitulation," with European governments rushing to counter its terms at the G20 summit in South Africa. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has tasked his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, to lead the delegation in Switzerland, signaling a high-stakes effort to balance diplomacy with national sovereignty.

Zelenskiy has also mandated a comprehensive audit of state-owned defense and energy companies to root out corruption, as part of broader efforts to bolster public trust ahead of the peace talks. The move follows a recent directive to investigate potential violations in defense contracts, with findings to be reported to law-enforcement agencies.

The urgency is compounded by Trump's public ultimatum: Kyiv must agree to the framework by Nov. 27, or face unspecified consequences, including potential cuts to military and intelligence support. European officials, however, are working to buy time for Ukraine to negotiate alternative terms. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed the U.S.-Russia plan as a "basis for peace," though he reiterated accusations that Kyiv is obstructing negotiations.

The Swiss meetings mark a pivotal phase in a conflict that has raged for nearly four years. Umerov emphasized that Ukraine enters the talks "with a clear understanding of its national interests," while Zelenskiy pledged to defend European security and the dignity of his people. As the deadline looms, the outcome of these discussions could redefine the war's trajectory - and test the resilience of Ukraine's sovereignty.