Trump Clarifies US Peace Plan for Ukraine is Not Finalised

United States President Donald Trump has indicated that the current peace proposal to resolve the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is not a definitive offer. This announcement follows feedback from a coalition of Ukraine's Western allies, who have called for significant adjustments to the proposed plan, which consists of 28 points. Leaders from Europe, Canada, and Japan have described aspects of the draft as 'essential for a just and lasting peace,' but emphasised that it requires 'additional work,' particularly concerning Ukrainian territorial integrity and military limitations.

The discussions come at a critical time, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighting that the nation is facing 'one of the most difficult moments in our history' amid pressure to accept terms perceived as favourable to Russia. Trump stated during a press conference that the proposal is open for negotiation, saying, 'No, not my final offer. One way or another we have to get [the war] ended, so we’re working on it.'

As per reports, the US administration has set a deadline of 27 November for Ukraine to respond to the proposal, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the plan as a potential foundation for a settlement. Notably, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff are expected to participate in upcoming negotiations in Geneva alongside senior officials from the UK, France, Germany, and Ukraine.

Concerns surrounding territorial concessions have emerged, with leaked details suggesting the plan would require Ukrainian forces to withdraw from certain areas in the eastern Donetsk region, while also recognising Russian control over Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea. The draft further proposes a military cap on Ukraine, limiting its armed forces to 600,000 personnel, which has raised alarm among European leaders who believe this could leave Ukraine vulnerable to future aggression.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who attended the G20 summit in South Africa, has been in discussions with both Zelensky and Trump regarding the US proposal. Starmer expressed his intention to collaborate with allies to refine the plan in Geneva, voicing specific concerns about the proposed military limitations. He remarked, 'Kyiv must be able to defend itself in any ceasefire arrangement.'

In a recent address, Zelensky warned of the difficult choices facing Ukraine, stating that the country may have to choose between 'losing dignity' or risking the loss of a crucial ally. He is committed to protecting the interests of Ukraine and has appointed his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, to lead the negotiation team, affirming that they are prepared to defend Ukraine’s national interests against any future Russian offensives.

While Ukraine heavily relies on military support from the US, including advanced weaponry and intelligence, there are concerns about the implications of the proposed peace plan. According to various sources, including Reuters, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has labelled the situation as a 'very dangerous moment,' stressing that the terms of any agreement should ultimately be determined by Ukraine itself.

As the conflict continues, with Russian advances reported along the front lines, both Trump and Putin have indicated a willingness to explore options for peace. However, the path forward remains fraught with challenges as the involved parties grapple with complex geopolitical realities. The outcome of the Geneva discussions will be closely watched as they may significantly influence the future of Ukraine and its relations with both the US and Russia.