Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Nov 23: US President Donald Trump on Saturday signalled that Washington may extend the Thanksgiving deadline for Kyiv to accept the American peace proposal to end the nearly four-year Russia-Ukraine war, saying the current draft is “not my final offer.” His remarks come amid rising concern among European and G20 leaders that key elements of the plan could favour Moscow.
Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump said the Ukraine conflict “should have never happened,” adding, “If I were president, it never would have happened. We’re trying to get it ended one way or the other. We have to get it ended.” When asked what would happen if President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the proposal, Trump replied, “Then he can continue to fight his little heart out.”
The comments came as European, Canadian, and Japanese leaders warned that the draft plan’s provisions — including territorial concessions and limits on Ukraine’s armed forces — could tilt the balance towards Russia. A joint G20 statement acknowledged that the proposal contained “important elements” for long-term peace but insisted it needed further work, citing concerns over border changes and military caps. Zelensky said Ukraine was facing “one of the most difficult moments in our history.”
The US State Department pushed back strongly after some senators claimed the 28-point proposal was a “Russian wish list.” Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, “This is blatantly false… this plan was authored by the United States, with input from both the Russians and Ukrainians.” AFP reported that the White House insists the framework remains fully American.
According to ABC News, the proposal includes withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from parts of Donetsk still under Kyiv’s control, acceptance of Russia’s de facto control over Donetsk and Luhansk, recognition of Crimea’s annexation, and a freeze of front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. It would also cap Ukraine’s military strength — one draft suggests around 600,000 personnel — while Western fighter jets would be stationed in neighbouring Poland rather than Ukraine.
The White House has set November 27 as the deadline for Kyiv to respond and will send a high-level delegation to Geneva for detailed consultations. The US team is expected to include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll. A separate meeting with Russian representatives is also planned.
At the G20, leaders reiterated that “borders must not be changed by force” and expressed concern that limiting Ukraine’s armed forces could leave the country vulnerable to future aggression. Senior officials from the US, UK, France, Germany, and Ukraine are set to meet in Geneva on Sunday to bridge gaps between Washington’s proposal and Kyiv’s core security demands.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautiously welcomed the American plan, saying it “could form the basis of a final peace settlement,” but criticised Kyiv’s objections as “unrealistic.” The plan incorporates several long-standing Russian demands, including reduced Ukrainian forces and a halt to NATO ambitions, while offering only limited security guarantees.
Zelensky said Ukraine faces a “very difficult choice,” balancing national dignity with the risk of straining crucial alliances. In an address to the nation, he said Kyiv would continue talks with Washington and European partners to ensure any settlement protects Ukraine’s sovereignty. The Ukrainian President also held a nearly hour-long discussion with US Vice President JD Vance and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to review the American proposal, acknowledging the immense pressure on the country as negotiations intensify.