A U.S.-backed 28-point plan to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict has emerged as a focal point amid the ongoing hostilities, triggering a high-stakes standoff between Washington and Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signaled a counterproposal, while U.S. President Donald Trump has set a firm deadline for Ukraine to accept the American plan, with key allies weighing in on the contentious initiative.
Zelenskyy Responds with Counterproposal
Ukraine’s Presidential Office confirmed on November 20 that Zelenskyy had received the draft peace plan from the U.S. and would discuss it with Trump in the coming days. In a public address on November 21, Zelenskyy announced his intention to put forward an alternative proposal, emphasizing that “Ukraine will never give the enemy reason to claim it does not want peace.”
The Ukrainian leader acknowledged the nation faces an excruciating choice: “Either surrender dignity or risk losing a key partner.” Analysts widely interpreted the “key partner” reference as the U.S., following reports that Washington has threatened to halt weapons supplies and intelligence sharing if Kyiv fails to sign the plan by a specified date.
U.S. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv on November 20 to discuss the draft, underscoring the urgency of the diplomatic push.
Trump Sets November 27 Deadline
Trump delivered a stark ultimatum on November 21, stating he views November 27 as the final deadline for Ukraine to accept the U.S.-backed peace plan. In a later White House interview, the U.S. president reinforced the demand, declaring that Zelenskyy must agree to the plan “or the conflict will continue.”
The ultimatum leaves little room for Zelenskyy’s proposed counterproposal, escalating tensions between the two allies. Notably, the plan has sparked division within Trump’s own party. Senator Roger Wicker, Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, publicly voiced strong opposition, arguing the proposal “grants excessively favorable terms to Moscow” and is “unacceptable.”
Wicker’s criticism marks the most prominent Republican pushback since the 28-point plan was unveiled. Meanwhile, leaders of Germany, France, and the UK held a joint call with Zelenskyy on November 21, stressing that any agreement involving the EU or NATO “must secure the consent of European partners or consensus with NATO allies.” Their statement indirectly expressed dissatisfaction with the U.S., highlighting the need to prioritize European and NATO member interests in resolving the conflict.
Putin Confirms Receipt, Open to Negotiations
Russian President Vladimir Putin weighed in on November 21, confirming Moscow has received the U.S. peace plan and expressing willingness to engage in peace negotiations. Speaking at a meeting of Russia’s Federation Council, Putin revealed that U.S. and Russian officials had discussed the plan’s framework prior to their leaders’ meeting in Anchorage, Alaska.
“While the plan has not been publicly debated, its general outline was addressed,” Putin stated, adding that Russia is ready for substantive talks on all details. The remarks followed reports on November 19 indicating the U.S. and Russia were close to a “major breakthrough” on a framework agreement to end the conflict, potentially finalized by the end of November or “as soon as this week.”
Latest news noted the proposed agreement is a direct negotiation between the White House and Moscow, crafted with “little consultation with Ukraine or European allies” and intended to be presented to Zelenskyy as a fait accompli.
Key Provisions of the 28-Point Plan
Unveiled by U.S. senior officials on November 20, the 28-point plan outlines a comprehensive framework for ending the conflict, including:
Security Arrangements
- Russia, Ukraine, and European nations will sign a non-aggression pact, with Russia enshrining its non-aggression policy toward Ukraine and Europe into law.
- Ukraine will receive reliable security guarantees and limit its military to 600,000 personnel.
- NATO will halt expansion and refrain from stationing troops in Ukraine; European fighter jets will be deployed in Poland instead.
Ceasefire and Withdrawal
- Ukrainian forces will withdraw from parts of the Donetsk region, establishing a neutral demilitarized buffer zone.
- Both sides will withdraw to agreed positions and implement an immediate ceasefire upon agreement.
- Ukraine will hold elections within 100 days of the deal’s signing.
As the November 27 deadline approaches, Zelenskyy’s decision will shape the trajectory of the conflict, balancing Ukraine’s sovereignty aspirations against the risk of losing critical U.S. support. With multiple stakeholders jockeying for position, the diplomatic push underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics defining the ongoing crisis.
