New Delhi, Nov 23: US President Donald Trump has said the U.S. proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine war is “not my final offer” for Kyiv, after several of Ukraine’s key allies raised concerns over elements of the plan, BBC reported. At the G20 summit in South Africa, leaders from Europe, Canada and Japan welcomed parts of the 28-point proposal but warned it would “require additional work,” citing unease over potential border changes and limits on Ukraine’s military strength.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that the country is facing “one of the most difficult moments in our history” amid U.S. pressure to accept terms seen as favourable to Moscow.
Trump has given Ukraine until 27 November to respond, while Russia’s President Vladimir Putin said the plan could serve as a “basis” for a settlement. Security officials from the U.S., UK, France, Germany and Ukraine will meet in Geneva to discuss the draft. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff are set to attend, with UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell representing London.
The joint statement issued at the summit highlights that borders “must not be changed by force” and expresses concern that caps on Ukraine’s armed forces could leave the country vulnerable. Leaders also stressed that any involvement of NATO or the EU would require the consent of their members. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke separately with Zelensky and Trump on Saturday, and said it remained “fundamental that Ukraine must be able to defend itself if there is a ceasefire.” Both leaders agreed that their teams would continue working on the proposal during Sunday’s talks in Geneva.
