Natalia cries at the coffin of her son Ruslan Zhygunov, a Ukrainian serviceman, who was killed at the frontline near Rusyn Yar village, during his funeral ceremony in Hostomel, Ukraine, on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.
Ukraine’s Western allies closed ranks on Saturday as concerns mounted over a U.S. peace plan for Ukraine that many say tilts in Moscow’s favor. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Ukrainians “will always defend” their home, even as pressure builds to reach a negotiated settlement in the nearly four-year war.
A Ukrainian team, backed by senior officials from France, Germany, and the U.K., is now preparing for direct talks with Washington in Switzerland on Sunday.
Allies Question U.S. Peace Plan for Ukraine
The U.S. peace plan for Ukraine, a 28-point blueprint, has raised alarms across European capitals. The proposal includes territorial concessions to Russia, limits on Ukraine’s military, and a pause on NATO membership—terms that Kyiv has repeatedly rejected.
Zelenskyy said the plan could force Ukraine into a harsh choice between defending its sovereignty and retaining essential American support.
Speaking outside the White House, President Donald Trump said the U.S. offer was not his “final” one. He expressed a desire to end the war but provided no clarity on what revisions may follow.
The White House declined to explain the meaning of Trump’s comments.
Europe Pushes Back Strongly
Leaders from the European Union, Canada and Japan welcomed U.S. efforts but rejected core elements of the U.S. peace plan for Ukraine. Their joint statement emphasized that borders cannot be changed by force and warned that limiting Ukraine’s armed forces would leave the country exposed to future attacks.
They also insisted that decisions about NATO and EU membership must involve the relevant member states.
On the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, leaders of France, Germany, and the U.K. discussed ways to support Kyiv. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said wars “cannot be ended over the heads” of affected nations. France’s President Emmanuel Macron echoed this sentiment, saying the U.S. peace plan for Ukraine requires broader consultation because it includes key issues directly affecting Europe, such as sanctions and frozen Russian assets.
European envoys will join Ukraine’s delegation on Sunday in Geneva to negotiate with the U.S. team. Zelenskyy confirmed the meeting after Trump set a deadline for Ukraine to respond to the proposal by Thursday.
Who Represents Washington in Geneva?
The U.S. delegation is expected to include Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who recently presented the plan to Ukrainian officials, and Marco Rubio, currently serving as Trump’s national security adviser and secretary of state. The American participants were disclosed by an official who spoke anonymously.
European leaders have long insisted that no peace deal for Ukraine should be rushed. Their concern remains unchanged: a weak settlement could embolden Russia and undermine Europe’s security for years.
Russia’s Intentions Under Scrutiny
Ukraine’s allies in Europe remain deeply skeptical of Moscow’s willingness to negotiate in good faith. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Russia often “pretends to be serious about peace,” yet continues attacking Ukrainian cities. A deadly strike in western Ukraine this week killed more than two dozen civilians.
Merz stressed that any end to the war must come with Ukraine’s “unconditional consent.” He warned that Russia has repeatedly violated past agreements, making strong guarantees essential.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the guiding principle: “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy Stands Firm as Ukraine Marks Holodomor Memorial Day
In a video address, Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s negotiators know how to defend national interests at the Geneva talks. “Real peace is always based on security and justice,” he stated.
Nine senior Ukrainian officials—including Chief of Staff Andrii Yermak and top envoy Rustem Umerov—will participate in the talks. The presidential office confirmed they are authorized to negotiate directly with Russia if necessary.
Ukraine also marked Holodomor Memorial Day on Saturday, honoring millions who died in the man-made famine under Soviet rule. Zelenskyy linked the past to the present, reminding Ukrainians why they continue to fight.
“We defended, defend, and will always defend Ukraine,” he said. “Only this is our home. And in our home, Russia will not be the master.”
