Daijiworld Media Network - Moscow
Moscow, Nov 22: Russian president Vladimir Putin on Friday cautiously welcomed a new US peace proposal aimed at ending Moscow’s nearly four-year war in Ukraine, calling it “a modernized plan” that “could form the basis of a final peace settlement.” However, he noted that the proposal has not been substantively discussed with Russia and suggested Ukraine and its European allies remain focused on a military victory over Russia.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that Ukraine faces a pivotal moment in the conflict. The US plan, which reportedly includes some of Putin’s longstanding demands, offers limited security guarantees to Ukraine but requires territorial concessions, reductions in military capacity, and blocks NATO membership—a position Zelenskyy has repeatedly rejected.
Zelenskyy spoke by phone with US Vice President JD Vance and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll for nearly an hour on Friday, emphasizing constructive discussions while recognizing that Ukraine may not get everything it seeks. “Currently, the pressure on Ukraine is one of the hardest,” he said, highlighting a difficult choice between protecting sovereignty and maintaining crucial US support.
European leaders expressed cautious support for the US initiative. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer assured Zelenskyy of continued backing, emphasizing Ukraine’s right to determine its own future and the importance of effective defense. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reiterated that Russia has no legal claim to concessions and stressed that any agreement’s terms must be decided by Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump said he expects an answer from Zelenskyy by Thursday on his 28-point plan, though he indicated deadlines could be extended. Trump defended the concessions in the plan, saying Putin is focused on punishment rather than further war in Europe.
While US-Ukraine technical talks continue in Kyiv, Zelenskyy is consulting with European partners to navigate the proposals, stressing the need for “sovereignty, people's security, and a just peace.” European officials noted concerns over some provisions and the lack of formal consultation with Ukraine’s European backers, warning that a flawed deal could threaten broader European security.