US News, 21 Nov 2025 (BNN Web)
Ukraine’s top security officials have refused to accept a US-prepared demobilization and peace plan, following American claims that Kyiv had agreed to most of its points. The development highlights the complex diplomatic tensions surrounding efforts to end the war.
Contradictory Statements from Kyiv
The disagreement emerged after US officials claimed Ukraine had accepted most points of the plan. However, senior Ukrainian officials have since rejected this narrative.
- Official Denial: Rustem Umerov, the former Defence Minister of Ukraine, stated that only the technical points of the plan were discussed and denied that its terms had been agreed upon.
- Zelenskyy’s Cautious Stance: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is “ready to work constructively and in good faith on the plan,” but has not endorsed it.
Meanwhile, the Russian president’s office said it has no information about Ukraine being ready for peace talks.
Key Points of the 28-Point US Plan
The proposed American peace plan is reported to include most of Russia’s key demands, which has likely contributed to Ukraine’s resistance:
- Territorial Concessions: Russia would retain control of the annexed regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, while returning other captured territories to Ukraine.
- Military Restrictions: Ukraine would be required to reduce the size of its armed forces and abandon its ambition to join NATO permanently.
- Sanctions Relief: Western sanctions on Russia would be gradually lifted after a ceasefire.
- Reintegration of Russia: Seized Russian assets would be returned, and Russia would be reinstated as a member of the G7 group of nations.
The EU’s Position and Diplomatic Tensions
The plan notably excludes the European Union (EU), whose 27 member states have been key supporters of Ukraine. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized in Brussels that any plan should be implemented “in coordination with Ukraine and the EU.”
The situation remains fluid, with public statements from US, Ukrainian, and Russian officials appearing contradictory, suggesting ongoing and sensitive diplomatic negotiations behind the scenes.
