Ukraine’s Western partners are increasingly raising sharp concerns over a new U.S. peace proposal. The plan aims to end the Russia-Ukraine war before the end of November. Drafted by US envoys and fleshed out through indirect talks with Moscow. The plan has unleashed a wave of diplomatic unease across Europe and inside Kyiv.
Europe Warns: Peace cannot come at the cost of Ukraine’s security
In a joint statement, the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, and Ireland welcomed the proposal as “a basis” for future talks during the G20 summit in South Africa. However, they underlined that borders cannot be changed by force. The leaders also expressed “concern” over limits proposed for Ukraine’s armed forces.
The statement was also signed by top EU officials, underlining a unified European message: peace must be sustainable, and Ukraine must not be left exposed to any future Russian aggression.
The pushback came just a day after President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Ukraine was facing “one of the most difficult moments in our history.”
U.S. sets deadline: Sign by 27 November or risk losing support
President Donald Trump has imposed a strict deadline on Kyiv: U.S. officials warned Ukrainian negotiators that failing to ink the 28-point plan by 27 November may result in a sharp reduction in U.S. political and military support.
According to American and Ukrainian officials familiar with the talks, Washington is signaling that “everything could be off the table” if Kyiv delays.
The U.S. presented the revised text of the offer to Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll. Sources close to the matter indicate a coordinated diplomatic approach in which envoy Steve Witkoff applies heavy pressure while Driscoll maintains a softer, more flexible tone.
Privately, the mixed approach is described as “good cop, bad cop.”
Inside the U.S. Draft: Major Concessions to Moscow
The leaked 28-point proposal contains several sensitive provisions that Kyiv regards as weighted in favor of Moscow’s demands:
Ukrainian troops would pull out from portions of Donetsk they currently hold.
In return, Russia would receive de facto recognition of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, and occupied parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
The front line will be frozen at its current positions.
The ceiling for Ukraine’s military would be 600,000 personnel.
Ukraine would constitutionally pledge never to join NATO
No NATO troops could be stationed on Ukrainian territory.
The gradual reintegration of Russia into the global economy would be made possible, including its return to a revived G8.
In return, Ukraine would receive “reliable security guarantees,” the proposal says, though it does not explain how those would function or be enforced.
According to Kyiv, a strong, capable military is its main security guarantee, and not one that should be downsized due to pressure.
Zelensky’s Response: A Fight for Dignity and Survival
On Friday, Zelensky addressed the nation from outside his presidential office. His words were blunt: the painful choice for Ukraine is either to lose an important partner or to fulfill demands that could compromise dignity and sovereignty.
He said Kyiv would engage “constructively” with U.S. negotiators and on Saturday named Andriy Yermak, his powerful chief of staff, to head the Ukrainian team.
As such, Ukraine has been very dependent on U.S. intelligence and highly developed armaments, including air-defense systems pivotal in repelling Russia’s recent barrages.
Russia Reacts Cautiously
Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the receipt of the U.S. plan and said that it hadn’t so far been discussed in substance. He insisted that Moscow was ready to “show flexibility,” while at the same time emphasizing that Russia was ready for continued fighting.
The Kremlin continues to score minor gains along a front in southeastern Ukraine, taking heavy casualties. Analysts said the incremental Russian gains strengthen Moscow’s negotiating position but also underscore its limits: sustaining major offensives may require an unpopular new mobilization next year. Sanctions are also squeezing Russia’s budget, forcing tax hikes and spending cuts.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov signaled that Russia remains “open to talks,” yet reported “virtually no progress” with the U.S. over longstanding disputes.
Experts: The Plan Is Not Ready — and Ukraine Cannot Sign It Yet
Both European and Ukrainian officials say the US proposal risks resembling a capitulation in its current form. One official who had seen a draft described it as a “pro-Russian deal written by Dmitriev and Witkoff.”
Another said the proposal would take months of negotiation to arrive at a form that was acceptable: “Even if Zelensky wanted to sign it, he couldn’t. There is no political basis for it.” Lypnytskyi likened the process to the recent U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement, which took three months to rewrite. Involving Ukraine, Russia, the U.S., and Europe, this deal could take a year or more.
Domestic Strains Add Pressure on Kyiv A corruption scandal involving members of his inner circle has politically weakened Zelensky. With continued Russian offensives and growing U.S. impatience, the Ukrainian president is facing one of the war’s most challenging periods.
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