Ukraine, EU allies working on counter US proposal as pressure mounts
3 Min Read
Ukraine and EU allies reject parts of a US-Russia peace plan, as Zelensky resists pressure and Washington threatens to cut military and intel support.
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky looks into the camera while delivering a video address to the nation in Kiev, Ukraine, on November 21, 2025 (Press Service of the President of Ukraine via AP)
Ukraine, alongside the UK, France, and Germany, is making efforts toward a counter-proposal to a US-fronted 28-point peace plan set to bring an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine, Reuters reported, citing sources.
One of the unnamed sources stated to the news outlet that the substitute plan would also include other European nations.
Kiev's main EU allies turned down central elements of the joint US-Russia plan during a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. They stated that the Ukrainian Armed Forces must remain capable of defending their own sovereignty and that the current frontline should act as the negotiation's starting point.
US President Donald #Trump has approved a new 28-point plan to end the war in #Ukraine, NBC News reported, citing US officials, unsettling Kiev and several US allies.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) November 20, 2025
Reports suggested the #Russia-Ukraine ceasefire proposal includes major shifts in Washington’s approach to the… pic.twitter.com/GOto8JDQdq
Zelensky: Now most difficult moment for Ukraine's history
Ukraine's president stated that Ukraine faces “either a loss of dignity, or the risk of losing a key partner” as pressure to sign the US-Russian peace deal increases.
“Now is one of the most difficult moments in our history,” Zelensky said in an address to the nation. “The pressure on Ukraine is one of the heaviest ... Either 28 difficult points, or an extremely difficult winter – the most difficult one yet – and further risks.”
The Ukrainian president added he would not go back on Kiev's national interests.
Washington, however, threatened to cut off weapons and intelligence to Ukraine unless the US-Russia peace deal is signed by next Thursday.
US President Donald Trump stated in an interview for Fox News, “I’ve had a lot of deadlines, but if things are working well, you tend to extend the deadlines. But Thursday is it.”
When questioned on whether he would withdraw the sanctions imposed on Russia, he stated he would not.
“I’m not doing anything [that has] to do with taking back sanctions,” the US president said, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “not looking for more war” and is “taking punishment.".
Read more: US's 28-point plan: Recognizes Russian gains, bars Ukraine from NATO
EU, Ukraine will work day and night with US to end war
During a phone call with US Vice President JD Vance, Zelensky said the EU and Ukraine will work with both the US and Europe to pave the way to peace.
In a statement published on Telegram, the Ukrainian president said he discussed “many details of the American side’s proposal to end the war” on Friday afternoon.
“Ukraine has always respected and respects President Trump’s desire to end the bloodshed, and we perceive positively every realistic proposal,” Zelensky wrote. “We agreed to be in constant contact, and the teams are ready to work 24/7.”
Among the points mentioned in the US-Russia deal are Ukrainian security guarantees, Russian reintegration into the global market, and US rights to aid in the reconstruction of Ukraine alongside Kiev.
Read more: Democrats warn of US spy agencies politicization under Trump
