Ukrainian allies, US officials and even Republican politicians have raised alarm over a ‘peace plan’ drafted by the US and a sanctioned Russian official outside official channels. Donald Trump has threatened that Volodymyr Zelenskyy has little choice but to approve it. Follow the latest.
Saturday 22 November 2025 14:15, UK
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Boris Johnson has called the US-Russian peace plan “a complete betrayal of Ukraine”.
It amounts to “military castration” and leaves Ukraine “perpetually exposed to a third invasion”, he wrote in the Daily Mail.
“This is a total capitulation by the so-called friends of Ukraine,” he said.
He said Kyiv would have to be “mad” to accept the terms, which include a Russian veto over Ukrainian membership of NATO and handing over territory containing 250,000 Ukrainians that Russia does not control.
European leaders have said the US-Russian peace plan needs “additional work”.
A joint statement expressed concern about proposed limitations on the Ukrainian army, leaving it vulnerable to attack.
They insisted Ukraine’s borders must not be altered.
Elements of the plan relating to the EU and NATO require their consent, it added.
They will coordinate closely with Ukraine and the US in the coming days.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk added: “It requires joint work. Russia cannot impose its conditions on Ukraine and Europe.
“Everything concerning Poland must be agreed upon with the Polish government.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy says peace can only be achieved by guaranteeing Russia cannot launch a third invasion.
Addressing the matter of talks between a Ukrainian delegation and its allies, he said: “Our representatives know how to protect Ukrainian national interests and exactly what is needed to prevent Russia from carrying out a third invasion.”
He continued: “Real peace is always based on guaranteed security and justice.”
The president added: “This is now about much more than specific points of one document or another. It is necessary to ensure that nowhere in Europe or the world does the principle prevail that crimes against people and humanity, against states and peoples, can have any reward or forgiveness.”
Some 31 civilians freed from Belarusian jails have arrived back in Ukraine.
They were serving prison sentences between two and 11 years until being pardoned by President Alexander Lukashenko.
The move was mediated by the US, which Ukraine thanked for “their fruitful work”.
Lukashenko is perhaps Vladimir Putin’s closest ally.
Kyiv will hold consultations in Switzerland with the US on ending Russia’s war on Ukraine, a top Ukrainian security official says.
“We are starting consultations between high-ranking officials of Ukraine and the United States on the possible parameters of a future peace agreement, Rustem Umerov, secretary of the national security and defence council, said.
“We appreciate the participation of the American side and its readiness for substantive talks.”
Umerov edited the post, without giving any reason, after a previous version said the talks would be held “with the participation of European partners”.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has approved the composition of the delegation for talks, which will be led by the head of his office and includes top security officials.
He also approved instructions for the negotiations.
The Polish prime minister has insisted that a peace settlement cannot be imposed on Ukraine.
Any peace plan for Ukraine must be accepted in Kyiv, Karol Nawrocki said.
Donald Trump has said Volodymyr Zelenskyy must accept a proposal the US has drafted with Russia.
Washington’s 28-point plan calls on Ukraine to cede territory, accept limits on its military and renounce ambitions to join NATO.
“It was Ukraine that fell victim to Putin’s criminal aggression, and it is Ukrainians, with the support of the United States and EU countries, who must have the decisive voice in peace talks,” Nawrocki said.
“The price of peace cannot in any way be the achievement of strategic goals by the aggressor, and the aggressor was and remains the Russian Federation.”
A Ukrainian drone attack has targeted energy facilities in Russia’s Samara region, the region’s governor said.
Two people were killed in the southern city of Syzran, Vyacheslav Fedorishchev said.
Two more people were injured and were receiving medical care.
Ukraine will consult with allies on “steps to end the war” in the coming days, according to a statement by Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office.
He has approved the composition of a Ukrainian delegation and their brief, the office said.
“We anticipate constructive work and are ready to advance as swiftly as possible to achieve a real peace.
“Ukraine never wanted this war and will make every effort to end it with a dignified peace.
“Ukraine will never be an obstacle for peace, and the representatives of the Ukrainian state will defend legitimate interests of the Ukrainian people and the foundations of European security.”
Kyiv is currently mulling over a 28-point peace plan drafted by the US and Russia.
Another meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump is possible, a senior Russian diplomat has said.
“I wouldn’t rule anything out,” deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov told the state-owned International Affairs magazine.
“The search for a way forward continues,” he said.
Russia says its forces have captured a village in the Zaporizhizhia region.
Soldiers now control Nove Zaporizhzhia, the Russian defence ministry said.
Russia says it controls about 75% of the region, meaning Ukraine still holds about 7,000 square km there.
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