When asked by reporters if his 28-point peace proposal for Ukraine was the final option, US President Donald Trump replied "no" on 22/11. "We are trying to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. One way or another, we have to end this conflict," Trump added.

According to Trump's proposal, Ukraine would be required to accept the Crimean Peninsula, Lugansk and Donetsk provinces under Russia's "de facto control". Ukraine would also need to hold early elections within 100 days, reduce its military personnel to 600,000, and amend its constitution to state it renounces its aspiration to join NATO.

US President Donald Trump on the South Lawn of the White House on 22/11. Photo: AP

In return, Ukraine would receive "reliable security guarantees" and a reconstruction fund utilizing a portion of Russian assets frozen by the West. The plan did not specifically mention US security guarantees for Ukraine, but media reported that the country would benefit from a "NATO-like mechanism".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted coolly to the plan, stating he would propose "alternative options". Zelensky said Ukraine would meet with the US side next week to discuss President Trump's proposal.

Trump stated on 21/11 that the appropriate time for Ukraine to agree to a deal was 27/11, adding that the country needed to accept reality and dismissed the idea that further aid to Ukraine or sanctions against Russia could change the course of the conflict.

"Zelensky will have to accept it. Otherwise, Ukraine will have to continue fighting," Trump stated. "At some point, he will have to accept something."

President Vladimir Putin stated that the peace plan could serve as a foundation for a final agreement, but accused Ukraine of continuing to hinder negotiations. He warned that Russia is capable of expanding its controlled territories further if Ukraine withdraws from the peace process.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP)