President Donald Trump stated that a US proposal aimed at concluding the Russia-Ukraine conflict is not his “final offer” for Kyiv, following concerns raised by Ukrainian partners regarding the suggestions.
Earlier on Saturday, leaders from Europe, Canada, and Japan mentioned that the plan includes components “critical for a fair and enduring peace,” but would “necessitate further effort,” pointing out worries about territorial alterations and limits on Ukraine’s military.
On Sunday, security representatives from Britain, France, Germany, the US, and Ukraine are scheduled to convene in Geneva, Switzerland.
President Volodymyr Zelensky previously cautioned that Ukraine is confronting “one of the most challenging periods in our history” due to US pressure to endorse a proposal viewed as favorable to Moscow.
Trump has given Ukraine until November 27 to agree to the 28-point plan, while Russia’s President Vladimir Putin indicated it could serve as the “foundation” for an agreement.
When asked on Saturday if the existing draft was his definitive proposal for Ukraine, Trump informed reporters at the White House: “No, not my final proposal.”
“One way or another we must put an end to [the conflict], so we’re addressing it,” he remarked.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff will be partaking in discussions in Geneva on Sunday. National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell will represent the UK.
The joint statement released at the G20 summit in South Africa on Saturday was endorsed by leaders from Canada, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, Germany, and Norway. Two top EU officials also signed the statement.
The statement read: “We therefore consider that the draft serves as a foundation that will require further refinement. We are prepared to engage to ensure that a future peace is sustainable. We maintain the principle that borders must not be altered by force.”
“We are also troubled by the suggested limitations on Ukraine’s military forces, which would leave Ukraine exposed to future assaults.”
It continued: “The execution of components related to the European Union and NATO would necessitate the approval of EU and NATO members respectively.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, attending the G20 summit in Johannesburg, communicated with Zelensky on Saturday, followed by a discussion with Trump.
Following the Trump conversation, a spokesperson from Downing Street indicated that Sir Keir “shared the discussions occurring among the Coalition of the Willing partners [Ukraine’s allies] present at the G20 summit today.”
They noted: “The leaders concurred that their teams would collaborate on the 28-point US peace proposal in Geneva tomorrow. They agreed to reconvene for discussions tomorrow.”
Sir Keir had earlier expressed concerns regarding the proposed caps on Ukraine’s military in the US plan, stating “it’s crucial for Ukraine to be able to defend itself in the event of a ceasefire.”
The extensively leaked US peace proposal suggests the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the section of the eastern Donetsk region that they currently occupy, and de facto Russian governance over Donetsk, as well as the adjacent Luhansk region and the southern Crimea peninsula, annexed by Russia in 2014.
The proposal further entails freezing the borders of Ukraine’s southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions along current combat lines. Both regions are partially under Russian occupation.
The US draft would additionally cap Ukraine’s military at 600,000 personnel, with European fighter planes stationed in neighboring Poland.
Kyiv would obtain “dependable security guarantees,” according to the plan, although specific details remain undisclosed. The document states “it is anticipated” that Russia will refrain from invading its neighbors and NATO will not expand further.
The proposal also indicates that Russia will be “reintegrated into the global economy” through the lifting of sanctions and by inviting Russia to rejoin the G7 coalition of the world’s leading nations, restoring it to the G8.
On Friday, Trump remarked that Zelensky would “have to appreciate” the US proposals, asserting otherwise Ukraine and Russia would persist in hostilities.
Earlier that day, the Ukrainian leader addressed the nation with a grave warning that the country “might be faced with a very challenging decision: either sacrificing dignity or risking the loss of a crucial ally.”
“Today is among the most challenging moments in our history,” Zelensky stated, committing to work “constructively” with the Americans on the proposal.
On Saturday, Zelensky declared that his chief of staff Andriy Yermak would head Ukraine’s negotiation team for upcoming discussions on a peace agreement, including any that may involve Russia.
“Our representatives understand how to protect Ukraine’s national interests and precisely what must be accomplished to avert a third invasion by Russia, another attack against Ukraine,” the president mentioned in a video message shared on social media.
Kyiv is critically reliant on supplies of US-manufactured advanced armaments, including air defense systems to counter deadly Russian aerial assaults, as well as intelligence provided by Washington.
Putin confirmed on Friday that Moscow had received the US proposal—but stated it had not been thoroughly discussed with the Kremlin.
He remarked that Moscow was ready to “demonstrate flexibility”—but was equally prepared to continue the fight.
Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
In recent months, Russian forces have been gradually advancing in Ukraine’s southeastern region—despite reports of significant combat losses.
