Kyiv is facing intense U.S. pressure to accept a proposed peace plan for the conflict with Russia, which has drawn skepticism from Ukraine’s allies and is largely seen as favoring Moscow.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who initially put forward the 28-point plan, confirmed it is “not the final offer” for Ukraine. He stated to reporters at the White House that “one way or another, we need to end this war. We are working on it.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned his nation faces “the most difficult moment in our history” under this pressure. He indicated Ukraine might have to choose between “losing dignity or risking the loss of key allies.”
Multiple allies, including Britain, France, and Germany, have openly voiced concerns about certain aspects of the draft plan. They highlighted issues with proposed border changes and limits on the size of Ukraine’s military.
Leaders from Europe, Canada, and Japan issued a joint statement after a G20 summit in South Africa. While acknowledging elements “necessary for a just and lasting peace,” they insisted that “further action is needed.”
The widespread perception is that the U.S. plan is largely favorable to Russia. It reportedly suggests Ukrainian forces withdraw from areas they control in eastern Donetsk.
The plan also proposes Russia maintain de facto control over Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. Borders in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia would be frozen along current front lines.
Additionally, Ukraine’s army would be limited to 600,000 troops. The proposal suggests Russia could “return to the global economy” through sanctions being lifted and rejoining the G7, effectively turning it into the G8.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said last Friday that the U.S. plan could serve as “a basis” for negotiations.
High-level security officials from Britain, France, Germany, the United States, and Ukraine are scheduled to meet today in Geneva, Switzerland. They are expected to further discuss the U.S. proposals.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Special Representative Steve Witkoff are slated to attend the Geneva talks.
Trump has set a deadline for Ukraine to respond to the peace plan by November 27. Zelensky has appointed Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Office, to lead Ukraine’s negotiation team for future peace discussions.