Ukraine is scrambling to formulate a response to a new, unexpected US peace plan to end the war, which reportedly contains concessions long demanded by Russia and comes with a tight deadline from US President Donald Trump.
The 28-point proposal, drafted by the US and reportedly seen by AFP, is seen as heavily favouring Russia by including several of Moscow's hardline demands. Ukraine would be forced to give up land, including recognizing territories controlled by Moscow (Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk) as "de facto" Russian.
Kyiv would also pull troops out of the part of the Donetsk region it currently controls, which would become an internationally recognized neutral buffer zone. Kyiv would agree to cap the size of its army at 600,000 personnel and would receive only unspecified "reliable security guarantees," with no NATO troops deployed on its soil.
Ukraine must pledge never to join NATO and enshrine this in its constitution. Russia would gain territory, be reintegrated into the global economy (including the lifting of sanctions), and be invited to rejoin the G8.
President Trump gave Ukraine less than a week, suggesting November 27 (Thanksgiving) as an "appropriate time" for President Zelensky to agree, though he indicated it could be flexible.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated Ukraine faces "one of the most challenging moments in its history," a choice between the "loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner" (referring to the US).
While not outright rejecting the plan, Zelensky pledged to work to ensure any deal would not "betray" Ukraine's interests, stating he would "present arguments, I will persuade, I will propose alternatives."
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed discussions with key European allies (France, Britain, and the EU's foreign policy chief) to outline the "logic of our further steps." Zelensky also spoke with the German, French, and British leaders.
Zelensky's office confirmed plans for him to speak directly to President Trump soon. Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the blueprint, stating it could "lay the foundation" for a final peace settlement. He also threatened more land seizures if Kyiv walked away from the negotiations, referencing Russia's disputed claim of recapturing Kupiansk.
European leaders, bypassing the US plan's sidelining of Europe, are expected to meet at the G20 summit in South Africa to reinforce the principle of "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine," according to European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper separately affirmed that "Ukraine must determine its future."
The diplomatic pressure comes as Russia continues its offensive, including one of its deadliest attacks this year on the western city of Ternopil, where cruise missiles struck apartment blocks, raising the death toll to 32.
