Kyiv is experiencing "one of the most difficult moments" - Zelensky 0 5

Ukraine will seek a "workable" path to peace. This was stated by Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky in a Telegram post on Friday, November 21, following a conversation with U.S. Vice President James David Vance (J.D. Vance) and U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll. During the conversation, the "peace plan" of White House Chief Donald Trump was discussed.

Previously, in an address to the Ukrainian people, published, among other places, on Telegram, Zelensky stated that Ukraine is experiencing "one of the most difficult moments" in its history. Kyiv may face a very difficult choice, he added.

"Either loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner. Either complex 28 points or an extremely harsh winter - the hardest - and other risks. A life without freedom, dignity, and justice. And for us to believe someone who has attacked twice already. A response is expected from us," Zelensky said.

As noted by the dpa agency, the Ukrainian leader coordinated further steps with EU leadership, which is discussing possible counterproposals in the corridors of the G20 summit in Johannesburg.

Vance: "Peace will not be achieved by incompetent diplomats"

The U.S. President has given Kyiv until November 27 to respond to the proposed initiative. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump, when asked if he discussed the plan with Zelensky, said he spoke with his team. The American leader did not go into details.

For his part, the U.S. Vice President wrote on social media X that any criticism of the peace agreement being worked on by the administration is either based on a misunderstanding of the document or distorts some important realities on the ground.

"There is an illusion that if we just give more money, more weapons, or impose more sanctions, victory will be close," Vance wrote further. "Peace will not be achieved by incompetent diplomats or politicians living in a world of illusions. It can be achieved by smart people living in the real world," the Vice President summarized.

Merz and EU leaders will continue consultations in the G20 corridors

After the meeting of EU and U.S. delegations at the residence of U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Ukraine, Julie Davis, negotiations between European leaders gathered at the G20 summit in Johannesburg were intensified. Meetings, which included Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, took place until late on November 21.

Discussions will continue with the participation of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European leaders on November 22. According to EU officials, in addition to Merz and the head of the EC, the heads of state and government of France, Italy, and the United Kingdom will participate in the negotiations. Additionally, Ireland, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Norway, which are participating in the summit this year as guest countries, have been invited.

German Chancellor coordinated "next steps" with Trump

The head of the German government discussed the plan with Trump in person for the first time on November 21. A representative of the German government, Stefan Kornelius, stated that the phone conversation took place in a "trusting and detailed" atmosphere, and "next steps" were agreed upon at the advisor level. Merz will inform European partners about them, Kornelius added.

European allies are working on their own "mediating document," which is still in the coordination stage.

Putin: U.S. plan could serve as the basis for settlement

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed the opinion at a Security Council meeting that Trump's text "could serve as the basis for a final peace settlement." According to the Russian leader, Washington "has not yet managed to secure the consent of the Ukrainian side," as "Ukraine and its European allies are still in illusions and dream of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield."

At the same time, the head of the Kremlin stated that he is ready to continue the war - although not at the pace he finds acceptable. "But we are also ready for peaceful negotiations, to solve problems peacefully," Putin asserted.

What is known about Trump's "peace plan" for Ukraine?

The proposed U.S. "peace plan" has not yet been made public; however, several media outlets have published excerpts from the draft. Ukraine is expected to make territorial concessions to Russia. Kyiv is required to abandon NATO membership, limit its army to 600,000 personnel, and maintain a non-nuclear status.

The United States and Europe commit to financing the reconstruction of Ukraine, sanctions against Russia will be lifted gradually, and Moscow and Washington will conclude an agreement on long-term economic cooperation.

As noted by Politico, the U.S. "peace plan" involves unfreezing remaining Russian assets in Europe. It is expected that $100 billion will be invested in the reconstruction of Ukraine under U.S. control, with the American side planning to receive 50% of the profits from this project. Another $100 billion for reconstruction is to be allocated by Europe.

The remaining portion of frozen Russian funds, according to the plan, will be invested in an American-Russian investment fund that will implement joint projects of the two countries.

According to Axios, the plan also provides security guarantees to Kyiv, obligating the U.S. and European allies to consider an attack on Ukraine as an attack on the entire "transatlantic community."