'Zelenskyy can fight...': Trump's warning on Ukraine peace deal
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has said that his peace plan for the Russia-Ukraine war is not a "final offer" to Kyiv. This comes after a coalition of Ukraine's Western backers called for major changes to the draft. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Saturday, Trump said if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not accept the deal, he can "fight his little heart out."
Diplomatic talks
US, European officials to discuss peace plan in Geneva
Trump is pushing Ukraine to accept the deal by November 27. He also claimed that if he had been president in early 2022, the war would never have started. Meanwhile, senior security officials from the US, Britain, France, Germany, and Ukraine are set to meet in Geneva on Sunday to discuss revisions to the proposal. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has warned that his country is facing "one of the most difficult moments in our history."
Proposal backlash
US proposal faces criticism from G20 leaders
The US peace plan has faced criticism from leaders of several countries at the G20 summit in South Africa. A joint statement by leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan said the draft "is a basis which will require additional work." They stressed that "borders must not be changed by force" and expressed concern over proposed caps on Ukraine's military.
Plan details
Details of the US peace plan leaked
Leaked details of the US proposal indicate it would require Ukrainian forces to withdraw from parts of Donetsk, while recognising de facto Russian control over Donetsk, Luhansk and Crimea. It would also freeze front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, while limiting Ukraine's military to 600,000 personnel. The document promises "reliable security guarantees" for Ukraine but lacks specifics. In exchange, Russia would be gradually reintegrated into the global economy with sanctions lifted and a possible invitation to rejoin the G7.
Negotiation lead
Zelenskyy appoints chief of staff for negotiations
Zelenskyy has appointed his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, to lead Ukraine's negotiating team. He stressed that Ukrainian representatives "know how to defend Ukraine's national interests." Russia has confirmed receipt of the US plan but said it has not been discussed in detail by the Kremlin. Russian forces have made incremental gains in southeastern Ukraine despite heavy casualties, according to Western intelligence assessments.