The Trump administration will make “some changes” to its contentious peace plan for Ukraine following “productive” talks in Geneva on Sunday.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emerged from discussions he hailed as “the most productive and meaningful" of the peace process so far.
He indicated Washington would be making amends to its 28-point plan to converge on something both Ukraine and the US can support.
Ukraine’s Andrii Yermak agreed that the delegations had made “good progress” towards a just and lasting peace. He thanked “our big friends” in the US and Donald Trump.
The comments came hours after Trump took a swipe at the Ukrainian leadership, which he accused of expressing “zero gratitude” for their efforts to end the war. Trump also took issue with Europe for buying oil from Russia.
Scrutiny continues to fall on a US-authored peace proposal that emerged following talks between senior Trump officials and Moscow. Rubio insisted on Saturday that the plan was written by the US, drawing on “input from the Russian side” but also considering “previous and ongoing input from Ukraine”.
Key Points
- Ukraine’s allies rally around Zelensky ahead of crunch talks as Trump offers lifeline to Kyiv
- US senators say Rubio told them Trump's Ukraine peace plan is Russia's 'wish list'
- Trump criticises Ukraine 'leadership' for expressing 'zero gratitude'
- European counter-proposal proposes compromise on Ukraine's Nato status - details
How Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine has been entirely dictated by Putin
04:00 , James ReynoldsThe ‘deal’ being briefed out by Washington and Moscow is really just a blueprint for Russian conquest.
World Affairs Editor Sam Kiley explains why it doesn’t have to be that way:
How Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine has been entirely dictated by Putin
Rubio hails tremendous progress in Ukraine talks despite tensions from Kyiv
03:24 , Arpan RaiThe main talks between US and Ukrainian officials got under way in a stiff atmosphere at the US mission, soon after Donald Trump complained in a Truth Social post that Ukraine's leadership had shown "zero gratitude" to the US for its efforts and Europe continued to buy Russian oil.
Secretary of state Marco Rubio interrupted the meeting to speak to reporters, saying the talks had been probably the best the US had held with Ukraine since Trump returned to power.
"Obviously this will ultimately have to be signed off with our presidents, although I feel very comfortable about that happening given the progress we've made," said Rubio.
Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian delegation, was at pains to thank Trump for his commitment to Kyiv during the brief interlude. Minutes later, Zelensky also thanked Trump.
Yermak did not reappear with Rubio when the talks ended.
Rubio has departed Geneva en route back to Washington, a senior State Department official said.
What changes has Europe sought in Trump's skewed peace plan?
03:14 , Arpan RaiEuropean officials joined the US and Ukrainian delegations for talks after crafting a modified version of the US plan that pushes back on proposed limits to Kyiv's armed forces and mooted territorial concessions.
The European plan proposes that Ukraine be granted a larger military than under the US plan and that talks on land swaps should start from the frontline rather than a pre-determined view of which areas should be considered Russian.
Trump has said Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has until Thursday to approve the plan, which calls on Ukraine to cede territory, accept limits on its military and renounce ambitions to join Nato.
US and Ukraine say they have an 'updated and refined' peace framework
03:03 , Arpan RaiThe United States and Ukraine said they had created an "updated and refined peace framework" to end the war with Russia that apparently modified an earlier plan drafted by the Trump administration which Kyiv and its allies saw as too sympathetic to Moscow.
In a joint statement released after talks in Geneva between US and Ukrainian delegations, the two sides said their discussion was "highly productive" and said they would continue in coming days.
They did not provide specifics about a host of issues that must be resolved, including how to guarantee Kyiv's security from the threat posed by Russia.
In a separate statement, the White House said the new version included strengthened security guarantees, and that the Ukrainian delegation had said it "reflects their national interests."
Ukrainian officials did not provide a separate statement of their own and were not immediately available for comment.
What's in the European counter proposal?
02:47 , James ReynoldsA counter-proposal, drafted by Europe's E3 powers of Britain, France and Germany, emerged on Sunday as an alternative to the US plan. The 28-point counter is structurally based on the original proposal, with several caveats and amendments to the wording.
- The basis for territory swaps is markedly different. The original US proposal would see Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk recognised as de facto Russia. The counter proposal says Ukraine should commit to not taking back “occupied sovereign territory” through force. Negotiations on territory swaps would start from existing lines, it says.
- Ukraine’s standing military would be larger than that originally proposed, at up to 800,000 personnel from 600,000.
- Ukraine would also hold elections “as soon as possible” after the signing of the peace agreement, rather than in 100 days.
- Ukraine would also be compensated financially, including through frozen Russian sovereign assets.
- Point 3, that there would be an expectation Russia would not invade its neighbours and NATO will not expand further, had been deleted.
UK navy intercepts Russian corvette and tanker as Moscow steps up naval activity
02:00 , James ReynoldsA U.K. patrol ship has intercepted a Russian corvette and a tanker after shadowing them through the English Channel, the Defense Ministry said Sunday, adding that Russian naval activity around U.K. waters had increased by 30% over the past two years.
With the past two weeks, the patrol ship HMS Severn intercepted the Russian corvette RFN Stoikiy and tanker Yelnya as they sailed through the English Channel, the ministry said.
Read the full story:
Royal Navy intercepts Russian warship and tanker off UK coast
Trump accuses Zelensky of ‘ingratitude’ but agrees to change ‘pro-Russian’ peace plan
01:00 , James ReynoldsThe United States agreed to make “some changes” to its contentious peace proposal to end the war in Ukraine on Sunday, following crunch talks both parties appraised as a success.
Read the full story:
Trump accuses Zelensky of ‘ingratitude’ but agrees to change ‘pro-Russian’ peace plan
How Putin is pushing Nato to a cliff edge
Sunday 23 November 2025 23:56 , James ReynoldsLithuania’s Vilnius airport was closed again on Sunday evening due to smugglers’ balloons appearing on radar.
The EU warned previously that such intrusions occurred in the context of a wider targeted hybrid campaign.
Multiple countries have reported what they call acts of ‘hybrid’ warfare in recent months:
Blowing up tankers and drone incursions: How Putin is pushing Nato to a cliff edge
Premium: Putin’s plan to crush Ukraine this winter might just work
Sunday 23 November 2025 23:00 , Bryony Gooch
Inside Putin’s plan to crush Ukraine this winter – and why it might work
Recap: Europe submits counter-proposal to US peace plan
Sunday 23 November 2025 22:00 , Bryony GoochEuropeans have submitted a modified version of the United States' peace plan for Ukraine that pushes back on proposed limits to Kyiv's armed forces and territorial concessions, according to a document seen by Reuters on Sunday.
The document, prepared for talks on the plan in Geneva, proposes that Ukraine's military be capped at 800,000 "in peacetime" rather than a blanket cap of 600,000 proposed by the US plan.
It also says "negotiations on territorial swaps will start from the Line of Contact".
Blacklisted Kremlin official involved in Trump’s peace plan
Sunday 23 November 2025 21:00 , Bryony Gooch
The blacklisted Kremlin official behind Trump’s ‘pro-Russia’ peace plan for Ukraine
Watch: Reform's Zia Yusuf condemns the party's former leader in Wales, Nathan Gill
Sunday 23 November 2025 20:00 , Bryony GoochLithuanian airport closed again over smuggler balloons
Sunday 23 November 2025 19:27 , James ReynoldsLithuania's Vilnius airport was closed on Sunday evening due to smugglers' balloons appearing on radar, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre said.
Such balloons, carrying cartons of cigarettes, forced airports in Lithuania to close several times in October.
The EU said at the time the balloons “occur in the context of a broader targeted hybrid campaign”.
US rejects claims peace plan was a 'wish list' from Russia
Sunday 23 November 2025 19:00 , Bryony GoochThe US State Department has rejected claims from senators who said Mr Rubio told them the plan was a “wish list” from Russia.
“This is blatantly false. As Secretary Rubio and the entire Administration has consistently maintained, this plan was authored by the United States, with input from both the Russians and Ukrainians,” a spokesman posted on X.
Yermak praises meeting, says second session to follow shortly
Sunday 23 November 2025 18:20 , James ReynoldsAndriy Yermak, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's Chief of Staff, said Sunday’s meeting in Geneva had been "a very productive first session with the distinguished American delegation".
Yermak, writing in English on X, said a second meeting would take place "very soon today" to proceed with "work on joint proposals with the engagement of our European partners".
Yermak thanked the United States and President Donald Trump "for their commitment to bring peace". Ukraine has again been pressed to thank Washington after Trump ranted on social media that Ukraine’s leaders had shown no gratitude for American support.
Here’s what Europe and Ukraine can do with Trump’s ‘peace’ ultimatum
Sunday 23 November 2025 18:00 , Bryony GoochTrump’s ‘peace’ ultimatum leaves Europe and Ukraine with just one choice
Who is in Geneva?
Sunday 23 November 2025 17:00 , Bryony GoochWorld leaders have joined today in Geneva to discuss Trump’s 28-point peace plan for Ukraine.
Delegations from the US, Ukraine, Britain, Germany, France, Italy and the EU are in Switzerland for the meeting.
Marco Rubio appraises Geneva talks
Sunday 23 November 2025 16:57 , James ReynoldsUS secretary of state Marco Rubio said that today’s meetings have been "the most productive and meaningful meeting so far in this entire process”.
He said delegations were able to go through some of the items in the proposal “point by point” and make “some good progress”.
Ukraine’s Andrii Yermak agreed the meeting was “very productive” and thanked his “big friends” in the US and Trump.
Starmer and Trump speak on peace talks
Sunday 23 November 2025 16:53 , James ReynoldsDowning Street said on Sunday that Sir Keir Starmer had spoken with US president Donald Trump as top officials met in Geneva to discuss peace proposals for Ukraine.
“The leaders discussed various aspects of the high level discussions taking place in Geneva today on the US peace plan for Ukraine,” a spokesperson said.
“They agreed that we all must work together at this critical moment to bring about a just and lasting peace. They agreed to keep in touch."
In pictures: World leaders meet in Geneva
Sunday 23 November 2025 16:45 , Bryony Gooch
Thousands without heating as Ukraine launches attack deep in Russia
Sunday 23 November 2025 16:30 , Bryony Gooch
Thousands without heating as Ukraine launches drone attack deep inside Russia
Scott Bessent: The peace process is moving forward
Sunday 23 November 2025 16:00 , Bryony GoochUS secretary of the treasury Scott Bessent has said the peace process between Russia and Ukraine is moving forward.
He said it is a “peace negotiation” with Russia, and “I am confident that Ukraine-Russia peace process is moving forward.”
"At the end of the day, it's going to be a decision with the Ukrainians.”
European counter-proposal proposes compromise on Ukraine's Nato status - details
Sunday 23 November 2025 15:44 , Bryony GoochThe European counter-proposal to Trump’s 28-point peace plan has been seen by Reuters.
The document proposes Ukraine’s military be capped at 800,000 “in peacetime” and suggests “Nato agrees not to permanently station troops under its command in Ukraine in peacetime.”
“Ukraine joining Nato depends on consensus of Nato members, which does not exist.”
Ukraine will be “compensated, financially, including through Russian sovereign assets that will remain frozen until Russia compensates damage to Ukraine.”
Ukraine would receive a US guarantee that mirrors Nato’s article five as part of the proposal.
Meanwhile, Ukraine would commit not to recover its occupied territory through military means, but instead negotiations on territorial swaps would start from the line of contact.
Main talks underway in Geneva
Sunday 23 November 2025 15:41 , James ReynoldsThe main talks between the U.S. and Ukrainian delegations that travelled to Geneva to discuss a draft plan presented by Washington to end the war in Ukraine are now under way, a source familiar with the matter said on Sunday.
Germany's Merz doubts Trump's Ukraine plan deadline can be met
Sunday 23 November 2025 15:40 , Bryony GoochGerman chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sunday that he is not convinced that a solution agreeable to Ukraine based on the United States' 28-point plan will be found by the deadline set by president Donald Trump.
"Today is Sunday. President Trump's plan is to reach an agreement on Thursday. We are still very far from that. That doesn't mean it's completely impossible to reach... But I'm sceptical whether such an outcome is possible given the current differences," said Merz on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg.
Ukrainian, US and European officials gathered in Geneva on Sunday to discuss the draft U.S. plan to end the war in Ukraine.
Merz added that he had made his own proposal, currently being discussed in Geneva, on how to at least take a first step by Thursday if the 28 points are too much to cover in five days.
"I want to at least try to find one point of agreement with Russia on the Ukrainian side, to get the approval of the Americans and the Europeans," he said, without giving more details about his suggestion.
Zelensky says US plan may include elements critical for Ukrainian national interests
Sunday 23 November 2025 15:17 , Bryony GoochThe US proposals to end the war in Ukraine may include a number of elements based on Ukrainian perspectives and critical for Ukrainian national interests, president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday.
"There have already been brief reports from our delegation members about the outcomes of their first meetings and talks," Zelenskiy said on X, commenting on the talks with EU and US teams in Geneva.
"Further work is ongoing to make all elements truly effective in achieving the main goal anticipated by our people: to finally put an end to the bloodshed and war," he added.
Ukrainian official: 'We appreciate our American partners'
Sunday 23 November 2025 15:00 , Bryony GoochRustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, has said more progress is expected from talks today and reaffirmed that the Ukrainians appreciate US support.
He posted on social media saying: “Our current proposals while still not finalised include many Ukrainian priorities. We appreciate our American partners working closely with us to understand our concerns to reach this critical point and we expect to make more progress today.”
Ukraine raises death toll from Ternopil missile strike to 34
Sunday 23 November 2025 14:55 , Bryony GoochUkrainian authorities on Sunday said 34 people were killed in last week's Russian attack on the western city of Ternopil, the deadliest Russian missile strike on civilians in 2025.
A Russian missile hit an apartment building in Ternopil on Tuesday on the eve of the emergence of the U.S. peace plan to end the Ukraine war.
European, Ukrainian and U.S. officials gathered in Geneva on Sunday to discuss the draft plan to end the war.
Taras Pastukh, deputy head of the Ternopil military administration, told national television that 33 victims had been identified, including six children. The body of one person, presumed to be a man, was still being examined. The search and rescue operation was complete, he said.
More than 90 people were injured.
The Ukrainian military previously stated that the residential building was hit by a Russian missile launched from a strategic bomber.
Trump criticises Ukraine 'leadership' for expressing 'zero gratitude'
Sunday 23 November 2025 14:34 , Bryony GoochIn a fresh rant on Truth Social, Donald Trump appears to criticise Ukrainian and European leaders in the midst of the war.
“The War between Russia and Ukraine is a violent and terrible one that, with strong and proper U.S. and Ukrainian LEADERSHIP, would have NEVER HAPPENED”, he wrote. “UKRAINE ‘LEADERSHIP’ HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS, AND EUROPE CONTINUES TO BUY OIL FROM RUSSIA.”
Turkey's Erdogan says he will speak to Russia's Putin on Monday
Sunday 23 November 2025 14:20 , Bryony GoochTurkish president Tayyip Erdogan said he would have a phone call with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday to discuss peace efforts in Ukraine, adding that he would also ask him to restart a deal for the safe passage of grains via the Black Sea.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday after the G20 summit in South Africa, Erdogan said Turkey would do its utmost to open the path to peace in Ukraine, adding he will share with European and US leaders and allies the outcomes of his conversation with Putin.
In pictures: Ukrainians remember victims of Holodomor, the Great Famine that killed millions
Sunday 23 November 2025 14:00 , Bryony Gooch
Kirill Dmitriev: The blacklisted Kremlin official behind Trump’s ‘pro-Russia’ peace plan for Ukraine
Sunday 23 November 2025 13:40 , Bryony GoochThe blacklisted Kremlin official behind Trump’s ‘pro-Russia’ peace plan for Ukraine
Watch: Reform's Zia Yusuf condemns the party's former leader in Wales, Nathan Gill, for Russian bribes
Sunday 23 November 2025 13:20 , Bryony GoochTrump peace plan 'a starting point' says shadow chancellor
Sunday 23 November 2025 13:00 , Bryony GoochShadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride said Donald Trump’s peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war is “a starting position”.
He told Sky News’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: “It’s a starting position and he indicated, the US president last night, that that isn’t his final position. I think he’s right to say that.
“But it does seem to me, that a proposal in which Ukraine gives up the whole of the Donbas, limits its army to 600,000, makes a clear statement that it will not be joining Nato at any point and therefore not have perhaps those security guarantees in place, is probably some way from where a final settlement will land.
“But we’ve got to encourage all sides to continue on this path of negotiation to arrive at that point to a just peace.
“And we certainly have a key role to play in that process.”
Reform breaks silence on ‘treacherous’ Nathan Gill over taking Russia bribes
Sunday 23 November 2025 12:40 , Bryony GoochA key ally of Nigel Farage has broken Reform UK’s silence on its former party leader in Wales who was jailed last week for taking bribes from Russia.
Zia Yusuf, the party’s former chairman and key member of Reform’s leadership, claimed that it was “unreasonable” to link Gill’s crime with the softer stance that the party and Mr Farage have taken on Vladimir Putin’s Russia and its criticism of the Ukraine war.
Mr Yusuf described Gill as “treasonous, horrific, awful” in an interview with Sir Trevor Phillips on his Sunday morning political show on Sky News.
Read more here:
Reform breaks silence on ‘treacherous’ Nathan Gill over taking Russia bribes
Erdogan tells Macron diplomacy needed for fair, lasting peace in Ukraine
Sunday 23 November 2025 12:20 , Bryony GoochTurkish president Tayyip Erdogan told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that "all diplomatic resources" must be utilised to end the war in Ukraine with a fair and lasting peace, his office said on Sunday, as countries discussed a draft US plan to end the war.
NATO member Turkey has maintained cordial ties between Kyiv and Moscow during the war, providing military help to Ukraine but refusing to join Western sanctions on Moscow. It has hosted three rounds of peace talks between the parties and offered to host a leaders' meeting
Zelensky: Teams are working for 'positive outcome' in Geneva
Sunday 23 November 2025 12:00 , Bryony GoochUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the teams meeting in Switzerland are working on a “positive outcome” following Trump’s Russia peace proposal.
He said on X: “Currently, the teams that will be working on the steps to end the war are meeting in Switzerland. It is good that diplomacy has been reinvigorated and that the conversation can be constructive.
“The Ukrainian and American teams, as well as the teams of our European partners, are in close contact, and I do hope that there will be a result. The bloodshed must be stopped, and we must ensure that the war is never reignited.
“I am awaiting the results of today's talks and hope that all participants will be constructive. We all need a positive outcome.”
Currently, the teams that will be working on the steps to end the war are meeting in Switzerland. It is good that diplomacy has been reinvigorated and that the conversation can be constructive. The Ukrainian and American teams, as well as the teams of our European partners, are…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 23, 2025
Ukraine delegation has begun its work in Geneva, says Zelensky's chief of staff
Sunday 23 November 2025 11:45 , Bryony GoochUkraine's delegation has begun its work in Geneva to discuss Washington's proposed peace plan for Ukraine, the head of the delegation, presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said on Sunday.
"In general, a series of meetings in various formats are planned for today. We continue to work together to achieve a sustainable and just peace for Ukraine," Yermak said on X.
"The next meeting will be with the US delegation. We are very constructive."
Europeans draft plan based on US proposal
Sunday 23 November 2025 11:40 , Bryony GoochConvoys of diplomatic vehicles shuttled through Geneva on Sunday morning as the talks were about to get under way.
US army secretary Daniel Driscoll was also in Geneva for the talks, while Ukraine's delegation is led by the head of Zelensky's office, Andriy Yermak.
National security advisers from the E3 alliance of France, Britain and Germany are joining the discussions, alongside the European Union. Italy was also sending an official.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he would speak with Zelenskiy later on Sunday about the peace plan.
European and other Western leaders said on Saturday the U.S. peace plan, which endorses key Russian demands, was a basis for talks to end the war but needed "additional work", as they seek a better deal for Kyiv before Thursday's deadline.
A German government source said a European draft peace plan, which is based on the U.S. proposal, had been sent to Ukraine and to the U.S. administration.
Before the talks, Zelenskiy warned that Ukraine risked losing its dignity and freedom - or Washington's backing - over the plan.
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the plan as the basis of a resolution to the conflict, but Moscow may object to some proposals in the scheme, which requires its forces to pull back from some areas they have captured.
Watch: Transport Secretary details further 'work required' on Ukraine peace deal
Sunday 23 November 2025 11:20 , Bryony GoochReform UK admit there are 'concerns' around Trump's peace plan
Sunday 23 November 2025 11:00 , Bryony GoochReform UK's head of policy Zia Yusuf said there are some concerns about Donald Trump's peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war and the "initial reaction we have is that too much appears to be being given to Vladimir Putin".
Asked about the US president's peace plan, he told Sky News's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme: "Well, look, as Nigel told the Telegraph on Friday, there are some concerns, I think, about this and we're going to wait and see what the Ukrainian, the formal Ukrainian response is.
"But I think ultimately, the most important stakeholder with regards to Ukraine sovereignty are the Ukrainians themselves.
"I think the initial reaction we have is that too much appears to be being given to Vladimir Putin, which we're concerned about.
"But again, the most important stakeholder in Ukraine's sovereignty, as we just heard, are the Ukrainians themselves."
Russia claims new territory in Donetsk and Kharkiv - Reports
Sunday 23 November 2025 10:38 , Bryony GoochRussia’s Defence Ministry has said its forces have taken control of Petrivske in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, as well as Tikhe and Odradne in Kharkiv.
The Independent could not verify these reports.
What is in Trump’s 28-point plan to end the war in Ukraine?
Sunday 23 November 2025 10:20 , Bryony Gooch
Russia back in G8, no Nato for Ukraine: What is in Trump’s 28-point plan to end war?
Trump team arrives in Geneva for talks to end war
Sunday 23 November 2025 10:10 , Bryony GoochUS secretary of state Marco Rubio and US special envoy Steve Witkoff have arrived in Geneva for talks on Sunday to discuss Washington's draft plan to end the war in Ukraine, a US official said.
In pictures: Communal workers clean an area near an apartment building damaged during a Russian drone strike on Dnipro
Sunday 23 November 2025 10:00 , Bryony Gooch
Recap: US insist peace plan is Russian 'wish list'
Sunday 23 November 2025 09:38 , Bryony GoochUS politicians critical of Donald Trump's approach to ending the Russia-Ukraine war have said Secretary of State Marco Rubio told them the peace plan the president is pushing Kyiv to accept is a "wish list" of the Russians and not the actual proposal offering Washington's position.
A State Department spokesperson denied their account, calling it "blatantly false".
Mr Rubio himself then took the extraordinary step of suggesting online that the senators were mistaken, even though they said he was their source for the information. The secretary of state doubled down on the assertion that Washington was responsible for a proposal that had surprised many from the beginning for being so favourable to Moscow.
UK's voice 'does count' with Washington
Sunday 23 November 2025 09:30 , Bryony GoochHeidi Alexander has repeatedly declined to answer questions on whether Donald Trump consulted the UK on his 28-point peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war, but she insisted the UK's voice "does count" with Washington.
The transport secretary told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips on Sky News: "I think it does count with them.
"If you listen to some of the comments of (US secretary of state) Marco Rubio, when he was talking about the role that (UK national security adviser) Jonathan Powell played in discussions about securing a ceasefire in Gaza in the Middle East, he spoke very highly and very positively of the role that the UK played in that.
"So I think our relationship with the US is one of seeking to influence to facilitate that dialogue with other global leaders, which is exactly what the Prime Minister was doing when he was in Johannesburg at the G20 yesterday."
Ukrainians need to determine their own future, says Transport Secretary
Sunday 23 November 2025 09:20 , Bryony GoochThe UK’s “fundamental view” is that Ukrainians need to determine their own future, a Cabinet minister has said as meetings are due to take place in Geneva on Donald Trump’s 28-point peace plan.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: “We have been clear that there are elements of the peace plan that he has proposed that are essential for a just and lasting peace.
“It does require some additional work.”
With national security adviser Jonathan Powell set to join counterparts from the US, Ukraine, and European countries for the talks in Geneva on Sunday, Ms Alexander said allies of Ukraine need to “find a way to secure that ceasefire and open up space for meaningful negotiations”.
She said: “Our fundamental view on this is the future of Ukraine has to be determined by Ukrainians themselves.
“But we do need to find a way to bring this conflict to an end and to secure that just and lasting peace that everyone wants.”
Ukraine strikes Russian power and heat station in Moscow region, Russian official says
Sunday 23 November 2025 09:00 , Bryony GoochUkraine struck a major heat and power station in the Moscow region on Sunday with drones, triggering a fire and forcing backup power to be switched on and mobile heating units to be deployed, the governor of the Moscow region said.
Ukrainian drones struck the Shatura Power Station, about 120 km (75 miles) east of the Kremlin, on Sunday, Moscow region governor, Andrei Vorobyov, said.
Unverified video footage on Telegram showed several bangs and then several balls of flames rising into the night sky.
"Some of the drones were destroyed by air defense forces. Several fell on the territory of the station. A fire broke out at the facility. Now it is localised," Vorobyov said.
Three transformers at the power station, each about 65 square metres (670 square feet) in size, caught fire, the Kommersant newspaper cited the emergencies ministry as saying.
Vorobyov said that backup power had been switched on and that mobile heating systems were being deployed to the area where the temperature was around freezing point.
US, Ukraine and UK will meet in Geneva to discuss Trump's 28 point plan
Sunday 23 November 2025 08:45 , Bryony GoochTop officials from the United States, Ukraine, and national security advisers from France, Britain and Germany will hold talks in Geneva on today to discuss Washington's draft plan to end the war in Ukraine.
It follows criticism of Trump’s 28-point peace plan for skewing to benefit Russia, forcing Ukraine to concede Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk, as well as Nato membership.
Kirill Dmitriev: The blacklisted Kremlin official behind Trump’s ‘pro-Russia’ peace plan for Ukraine
Sunday 23 November 2025 08:30 , Bryony GoochPresident Donald Trump’s 28-point peace proposal for Ukraine is facingcriticism amid claims it skews heavily in Vladimir Putin’s favour.
Trump has given Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky until Thursday to accept the deal, which would cede territory to Moscow, take Nato off the table for Ukraine and allow Russia back into the G8.
As Zelensky faces a difficult choice, US officials and lawmakers have expressed their concern about Russian involvement in the plan after it was revealed the administration had held meetings with a blacklisted Kremlin official beforehand.
Kirill Dmitriev, a close ally of Putin, is the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and assumed the office of the special presidential envoy on Foreign Investment and Economic Cooperation on 23 February this year despite little diplomatic experience.
Read more about him here:
The blacklisted Kremlin official behind Trump’s ‘pro-Russia’ peace plan for Ukraine
Ukraine strikes Russian power and heat station in Moscow region, Russian official says
Sunday 23 November 2025 08:15 , Bryony GoochUkraine struck a major heat and power station in the Moscow region on Sunday with drones, triggering a fire and forcing backup power and heat to be switched on, the governor of the Moscow region said.
Ukrainian drones struck the Shatura Power Station, about 120 km (75 miles) east of the Kremlin, on Sunday, Moscow region governor, Andrei Vorobyov, said.
"Some of the drones were destroyed by air defense forces. Several fell on the territory of the station. A fire broke out at the facility. Now it is localised," Vorobyov said.
The Kremlin says the internet is turned off to stop drone attacks. Russians are fed up
Sunday 23 November 2025 08:00 , Namita SinghRussia's government is tightening its internet control, with widespread outages and restrictions already defining 2025 for its citizens. These pervasive measures are impacting daily life, from public transport to critical health monitoring.
The impact is profound: credit cards fail for public transport, ATMs disconnect, and messaging apps are down.
Mobile phones often lose texts and data after international travel, and mothers of diabetic children report being unable to monitor blood glucose levels during outages.
For months, mobile phone internet shutdowns have affected dozens of Russian regions, ostensibly thwarting Ukrainian drone attacks. Popular messaging apps are also restricted, with the government promoting a state-controlled alternative critics fear is a surveillance tool.
Report:
The Kremlin says coverage is turned off to stop drone attacks. Russians are fed up
Canada's PM Carney says he will speak to Ukraine's Zelenskiy today about peace plan
Sunday 23 November 2025 07:40 , Bryony GoochCanadian prime minister Mark Carney said he will speak with Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky later on Sunday, as European and other Western security advisers meet in Geneva to discuss a peace plan put forward by the US.
"The follow-up is being done by our national security advisors. I will be speaking with President Zelenskiy later today, just to close the loop on some aspects," he said on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Johannesburg.
Comment: There is only one thing Europe and Ukraine can do with Trump’s ‘peace’ ultimatum
Sunday 23 November 2025 07:20 , Namita SinghTrump’s America is falling into autocracy and advocates for Russian victory in Ukraine - it’s time the West saw this and dealt with it, Sam Kiley, The Independent's world affairs editor explains how
Trump’s ‘peace’ ultimatum leaves Europe and Ukraine with just one choice
Ukraine’s allies rally around Zelensky ahead of crunch talks as Trump offers lifeline to Kyiv
Sunday 23 November 2025 07:00 , Namita SinghAllies of Ukraine rallied around its defiant wartime leader on Saturday as they pushed to revise a suspect peace proposal touted by the United States.
European leaders met in South Africa to review their options after US president Donald Trump set Kyiv a deadline of next Thursday to agree to terms seen as appeasing some of Russia’s most hardline demands.
Sir Keir Starmer spoke with Trump late on Saturday after expressing how leaders were concerned that the current deal would not give Ukraine the means to defend itself, requiring a cap on the military and no Nato membership or peacekeepers.
Read more in this report:
Ukraine’s allies rally around Zelensky ahead of crunch talks in Geneva
Republican lawmaker slams Trump over Ukraine and warns of damaged ‘legacy’: ‘First to surrender’
Sunday 23 November 2025 06:30 , Namita SinghNebraska Republican representative Don Bacon lambasted Donald Trump over his proposal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, warning it could be the president’s “legacy”.
The president’s 28-point peace plan has been criticised as being favourable to Moscow, demanding Kyiv cede additional territory, limit the size of its military, and agree to never join Nato.
Trump has asked Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to accept the proposal by Thanksgiving.
Bacon was one of several GOP lawmakers to criticise the peace plan.
“They’re pushing a surrender plan on Ukraine and one that will keep Ukraine vulnerable to Russian attacks in the decades to come. It looks like Russia wrote it,” he wrote in a social media post on Saturday.
Report:
Republican lawmaker slams Trump over Ukraine and warns of damaged ‘legacy’
Who is Kirill Dmitriev? The blacklisted Kremlin official behind Trump’s Ukraine peace plan
Sunday 23 November 2025 06:00 , Namita SinghPresidentDonald Trump’s 28-point peace proposal for Ukraine is facing criticism amid claims it skews heavily in Vladimir Putin’s favour.
Trump has given Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky until Thursday to accept the deal, which would cede territory to Moscow, take Nato off the table for Ukraine and allow Russia back into the G8.
As Zelensky faces a difficult choice, US officials and lawmakers have expressed their concern about Russian involvement in the plan after it was revealed the administration had held meetings with a blacklisted Kremlin official beforehand.
Kirill Dmitriev, a close ally of Putin, is the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and assumed the office of the special presidential envoy on Foreign Investment and Economic Cooperation on 23 February this year despite little diplomatic experience, writes Bryony Gooch.
The blacklisted Kremlin official behind Trump’s ‘pro-Russia’ peace plan for Ukraine
Trump gives Ukraine a tight deadline
Sunday 23 November 2025 05:30 , Namita SinghOn Friday, Donald Trump threw down the gauntlet to Ukraine, saying Volodymyr Zelensky had until Thursday to approve his 28-point plan, which calls on Ukraine to cede territory, accept limits on its military and renounce ambitions to join Nato.
"He'll have to like it, and if he doesn't like it, then you know, they should just keep fighting, I guess," he said.
"At some point he's going to have to accept something he hasn't accepted."
Recalling their fractious February meeting with Zelensky, Trump added: "You remember right in the Oval Office, not so long ago, I said, 'You don't have the cards'."
In their statement, Western leaders said they were "concerned by the proposed limitations on Ukraine's armed forces, which would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attack".
"We reiterate that the implementation of elements relating to the European Union and relating to Nato would need the consent of EU and Nato members respectively."
At Sunday's meeting in Geneva, European nations are keen to suggest changes to Trump's plan, which Russian president Vladimir Putin described as the basis of a resolution to the conflict.
Leaders adopt ‘lion-like spirit’ in talks about peace plan
Sunday 23 November 2025 05:10 , Namita Singh"There are many things that cannot simply be an American proposal, which requires broader consultation," said French president Emmanuel Macron, adding that an agreement had to allow for peace for Ukrainians and "security for all Europeans".
On Friday Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv faced a choice of either losing its dignity and freedom or Washington's backing. He appealed to Ukrainians for unity.
That signal prompted European leaders to rally.
A German government source said they had met in a room in Johannesburg called "lion" and that the leaders had adopted the animal's "spirit" in talks to seek a better deal for Ukraine.
German chancellor Friedrich Merz underlined the importance to Europe of supporting Ukraine.
"If Ukraine loses this war and possibly collapses, it will have an impact on European politics as a whole, on the entire European continent. And that is why we are so committed to this issue," Merz said on the sidelines of the G20 summit.
"There is currently an opportunity to end this war, but we are still quite a long way from a good outcome for everyone."
On Saturday, leaders of eight Nordic and Baltic nations said they had spoken with Zelensky and pledged to keep supplying arms.
In a joint statement, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden said: "Solutions that respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and that will bring Ukraine and Europe greater security and stability have our full support."
Zelensky appealed to his country for unity.
Draft meets measured criticism
Sunday 23 November 2025 04:50 , Namita SinghThe European and other Western leaders agreed that national security advisers from the E3 - France, Britain and Germany - would meet European Union, US and Ukrainian officials in Geneva on Sunday for further discussions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was en route to Geneva late on Saturday for the talks, a State Department official said.
Italy would also send an official, diplomatic sources said.
Washington's plan, which endorses key Russian demands, was met with measured criticism from many US allies. Leaders sought to balance praise for Trump's attempt to end the fighting with recognition that some terms in his proposal are unpalatable for Kyiv.
"The initial draft of the 28-point plan includes important elements that will be essential for a just and lasting peace," said the leaders of the EU, Germany, France, Britain, Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland, Italy, Japan and Norway.
"We believe therefore that the draft is a basis which will require additional work," they said in a statement.
Western leaders say Ukraine plan needs work, Trump signals scope for changes
Sunday 23 November 2025 04:33 , Namita SinghWestern leaders said on Saturday that a peace plan proposed by the United States can be a basis for talks to end Russia's war in Ukraine but needs "additional work", part of Western efforts to eke out a better deal for Kyiv before a Thursday deadline.
Meeting on the sidelines of a Group of 20 summit in South Africa, European and other Western leaders scrambled to come up with a coordinated response to US president Donald Trump's demand for Ukraine to accept his 28-point plan by Thursday.
Trump said in brief remarks on Saturday that his proposal was not his final offer, signalling potential room for adjustments as Ukraine and its European allies stressed that the plan could serve as a foundation for negotiations but required changes.
Trump officials’ meeting with Russian officials in Miami spurs questions about Ukraine proposal
Sunday 23 November 2025 04:07 , Namita SinghUS officials and lawmakers are increasingly concerned about a meeting last month in which representatives of the Trump administration met with Kirill Dmitriev, a Russian envoy who is under US sanctions, to draft a plan to end the war in Ukraine, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
The meeting took place in Miami at the end of October and included special envoy Steve Witkoff, president Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and Dmitriev, who leads the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), one of Russia's largest sovereign wealth funds.
A close ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin, Dmitriev has taken a leading role in talks with the US about the war and has met with Witkoff several times this year.
The Trump administration has issued a special waiver to allow his entry, one senior US official told Reuters.
Dmitriev and RDIF were blacklisted by the US government in 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions effectively bar American citizens and companies from dealing with them.
The meeting resulted in a 28-point plan for ending the war, two people familiar with the situation said. The plan, which was made public earlier this week by Axios, came as a surprise to US officials in various corners of the administration and has stirred confusion at embassies throughout Washington and in European capitals.
It has also prompted criticism from the Ukrainians and their allies for appearing heavily tilted toward Russian interests, with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky vowing on Friday that he would not betray Ukraine's interests.
The document, which calls for major concessions from Ukraine, appears to run counter to the tougher stance the Trump administration has lately taken toward Moscow, including sanctions on its energy sector.
It is unclear whether Dmitriev came to the meeting in Miami with certain Russian demands and whether those were incorporated into the peace plan.
The US peace deal for Ukraine is just setting the scene for Putin’s next war
Sunday 23 November 2025 03:10 , James ReynoldsUkraine is being asked to give up land and forget the appalling violence that it has suffered, writes Bob Seely.
But peace is the last thing on Putin’s mind – winning in Ukraine and then humiliating the West remain his goals:
The US peace deal for Ukraine is just setting the scene for Putin’s next war
US senators say Rubio told them Trump's Ukraine peace plan is Russia's 'wish list'
Sunday 23 November 2025 03:07 , Namita SinghUS senators critical of president Donald Trump's approach to ending the Russia-Ukraine war said Saturday they spoke with US secretary of state Marco Rubio who told them that the peace plan Trump is pushing Kyiv to accept is a "wish list" of the Russians and not the actual US plan.
A State Department spokesperson denied their account, calling it "blatantly false”.
The 28-point peace plan was crafted by the Trump administration and the Kremlin without Ukraine's involvement.
It acquiesces to many Russian demands that Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has categorically rejected on dozens of occasions, including giving up large pieces of territory. Trump says he wants Ukraine to accept the plan by late next week.
At a security conference in Canada, Independent Maine Senator Angus King, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Mike Rounds from South Dakota said they spoke to Rubio after he reached out to some of them while on his way to Geneva for talks on the plan.
King said Rubio told them the plan "was not the administration's plan" but a "wish list of the Russians”.
"This administration was not responsible for this release in its current form," Rounds said.
"They want to utilise it as a starting point."Rounds said "it looked more like it was written in Russian to begin with”.
Rubio confirms Ukraine peace proposal was authored by US
Sunday 23 November 2025 02:50 , Namita SinghUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday that the 28-point proposal for peace in Ukraine that emerged this week was authored by Washington, despite what a handful of senators said.
"It is offered as a strong framework for ongoing negotiations," Rubio posted on X.
"It is based on input from the Russian side. But it is also based on previous and ongoing input from Ukraine.
The peace proposal was authored by the U.S.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) November 23, 2025
It is offered as a strong framework for ongoing negotiations
It is based on input from the Russian side. But it is also based on previous and ongoing input from Ukraine. https://t.co/JWbAQ04kcw
"Senator Mike Rounds, a Republican, told reporters at a conference in Halifax earlier on Saturday that Rubio had called him and other senators and said it was a proposal that the US had received and passed on to Ukraine.
"He made it very clear to us that we are the recipients of a proposal that was delivered to one of our representatives," Rounds said.
"It is not our recommendation, it is not our plan."
Defenceless Britain is a sitting duck – when Ukraine falls, we’re next
Sunday 23 November 2025 02:30 , James ReynoldsThe government is doing the British public no favours by not facing up to the Russian threat, writes Robert Fox – not least when military leaders are lining up to point out how unprepared we are for future conflict
Defenceless Britain is a sitting duck – when Ukraine falls, we’re next
What happens next?
Sunday 23 November 2025 02:00 , James ReynoldsNational security advisors from France, Britain and Germany are going to meet with EU, US and Ukrainian officials in Geneva tomorrow to discuss the plans.
Ukraine and its European allies have all expressed reservations about the plan as it stands. Trump indicated on Saturday that there was some room for movement.
The US president has sketched out a timeline of just under a week to get a deal agreed. He said he had given Ukraine until next Thursday, caveating that this could move if negotiations show signs of progress.
For its part, Russia supports Trump’s proposal.
Top level discussions with sanctioned Russian envoy 'spooks US officials'
Sunday 23 November 2025 01:00 , James ReynoldsUS officials and lawmakers are increasingly concerned about a meeting between Trump administration officials and Kirill Dmitriev, a Russian envoy under US sanctions, to draft a plan to end the war in Ukraine, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
The meeting took place in Miami at the end of October and included special envoy Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and Dmitriev, who leads one of Russia's largest sovereign wealth funds.
The plan that allegedly came from the meeting appears to run counter to the tougher stance the Trump administration has lately taken toward Moscow. The administration had appeared frustrated by Russia repeating its maximalist demands.
Many senior officials inside the State Department and on the National Security Council were not briefed on the plan, which seems to appease those demands, the two people familiar with the plan said.
The discussions with Dmitriev have also worried some inside the intelligence community, one US official familiar with the matter said.
Air traffic suspended at Dutch air traffic over drone sightings
Saturday 22 November 2025 23:57 , James ReynoldsAir traffic at another European airport has been suspended following a sighting of multiple drones.
"Counter-drone equipment is ready to act", Dutch defence minister Ruben Brekelmans said. "An investigation is ongoing."
Eindhoven serves both as a civilian and as a military airport. All types of air traffic were suspended, Brekelmans said.
The defence ministry did not comment on where the drones had come from.
Europe has accused Russia of orchestrating hybrid attacks on its territory in recent months. Moscow has routinely denied involvement.
How Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine has been entirely dictated by Putin
Saturday 22 November 2025 23:05 , James ReynoldsThe ‘deal’ being briefed out by Washington and Moscow is really just a blueprint for Russian conquest.
Sam Kiley explains why it doesn’t have to be that way:
How Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine has been entirely dictated by Putin
Northern Europe reaffirms support for Ukraine
Saturday 22 November 2025 22:03 , James ReynoldsLeaders of eight Nordic and Baltic nations said on Saturday they had spoken with Zelensky, reaffirming their support for Kyiv and pledging to keep supplying arms while strengthening Europe’s defences to deter further Russian aggression.
In a joint statement, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden said: "Russia has so far not committed to a ceasefire or any steps leading to peace."
"Solutions that respect Ukraine‘s sovereignty and that will bring Ukraine and Europe greater security and stability have our full support," the statement added.
The group also backed strengthening sanctions and wider economic measures against Moscow as long as the war continues.
Ukraine’s allies rally around Zelensky ahead of crunch talks as Trump offers lifeline to Kyiv
Saturday 22 November 2025 21:45 , James ReynoldsTrump offered allies some hope of salvaging a viable peace deal, telling reporters on Saturday that the widely criticised 28-point peace plan was not his final offer:
Ukraine’s allies rally around Zelensky ahead of crunch talks in Geneva
How Russia is adapting to drone warfare
Saturday 22 November 2025 21:05 , James ReynoldsRussia has bolstered its ailing front lines with a broad array of new kit over the last couple of years.
One such adaptation to the modern battlefield is Rubicon - innovative units that have transformed Russian drone use and the targeting of Ukrainian drone control centres this year.
While production has reportedly shot up, Russia has also invested in unmanned systems troops and supporting special forces.
Analysts say Russia now has a small advantage with frontline drone operations, despite Ukraine’s monumental transformation of drone warfare over the last three years.
There is only one thing Europe and Ukraine can do with Trump’s ‘peace’ ultimatum
Saturday 22 November 2025 20:00 , James ReynoldsTrump’s America is falling into autocracy and advocates for Russian victory in Ukraine – it’s time the West saw this and dealt with it.
Sam Kiley, world affairs editor, explains how:
Trump’s ‘peace’ ultimatum leaves Europe and Ukraine with just one choice
UK will work with US on Trump's peace proposal in Geneva, Starmer says
Saturday 22 November 2025 19:30 , James ReynoldsSir Keir Starmer has spoken to Donald Trump on the phone and agreed their teams will work together on the US president's peace proposal for Ukraine during talks in Geneva tomorrow, Downing Street has said.
The prime minister relayed to Mr Trump what he had discussed with members of the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine at the G20 summit in South Africa today and agreed to talk to the US leader again tomorrow.
Sir Keir and other leaders have pushed back against the US-drafted plan for Ukraine, raising concerns about proposals to make Kyiv limit its armed forces and give up territory and its path to Nato membership.
The prime minister also spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and reiterated the UK's "steadfast support" for Kyiv.
What happens next?
Saturday 22 November 2025 18:45 , James ReynoldsNational security advisors from France, Britain and Germany are going to meet with EU, US and Ukrainian officials in Geneva tomorrow to discuss the plans.
Ukraine and its European allies have all expressed reservations about the plan as it stands. Trump indicated on Saturday that there was some room for movement.
The US president has sketched out a timeline of just under a week to get a deal agreed. He said he had given Ukraine until next Thursday, caveating that this could move if negotiations show signs of progress.
For its part, Russia supports the proposal.
Hope for Ukraine: Trump says disaster plan for peace is NOT his final offer
Saturday 22 November 2025 18:03 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump said his current proposal for peace in Ukraine to end Russia's war is not his final offer.
"The war needs to end one way or another," he told reporters on Saturday.
But he said "no" when asked if this was his final offer.
European and other Western leaders have scrambled to come up with a coordinated response to Trump's demand for Ukraine to accept his 28-point peace plan with Russia by Thursday.
Ukraine must be able to defend itself, says Starmer
Saturday 22 November 2025 17:15 , James ReynoldsSir Keir Starmer has said he will talk to Donald Trump about his peace plan which Ukraine's allies have said needs revision "in the coming days".
In a joint statement issued on Saturday, following their meeting at the Johannesburg G20 summit, the leaders called Washington's plan drawn up secretly with Moscow "a basis which will require additional work".
Sir Keir told reporters in Johannesburg: "We are concerned about (caps on military) because it's fundamental that Ukraine has to be able to defend itself if there's a ceasefire."
He said that the allies of Ukraine agreed that "there are elements in the 28-point plan which are essential to lasting peace, but it requires additional work, and that we are going to engage on that."
Macron: Trump's peace plan needs work
Saturday 22 November 2025 16:53 , James ReynoldsFrench president Emmanuel Macron said on the sidelines of the G20 summit that while Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine is good - because it proposes peace - it remains a basis that still needs work.
Western leaders continue to urge vital amends to the proposals seen this week - after being left out of discussions with Washington.
Starmer: I expect to talk to Trump in the coming days
Saturday 22 November 2025 16:32 , James ReynoldsSir Keir Starmer said he expects to speak with Donald Trump in the coming days amid desperate efforts to bolster the president’s plan for peace.
The prime minister said the focus was now on tomorrow’s meeting in Geneva, where he expressed hope that there would be progress.
Starmer said he expects to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in “an hour or so”.
National security advisers from the E3 - France, Britain and Germany - are to meet European Union, U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Geneva on Sunday for further discussions. Italy would also send an official, diplomatic sources said.
Ukraine claims to hold firm around Pokrovsk
Saturday 22 November 2025 15:58 , James ReynoldsUkraine's General Staff said on Saturday that Russian forces had attempted without success to advance to the central part of Pokrovsk by taking advantage of fog.
"However, these actions were unsuccessful, and the enemy is being eliminated in the urban area," General Staff wrote on Telegram.
It said Ukrainian defensive lines in the north were holding firm despite Russian pressure.
In pictures: Relative of Ukrainian prisoners of war burn flares during a rally at Independence Square
Saturday 22 November 2025 15:30 , Bryony Gooch
Allies rally around Ukraine for sustainable peace
Saturday 22 November 2025 15:21 , James ReynoldsUkraine’s allies rallied around Kyiv on Saturday amid frantic discussions over Donald Trump’s damning peace proposal.
The leaders of France, Canada, Italy, Germany, the UK and the EU said in a joint statement that borders must not be changed by force.
They aired concerns and said that they would continue to coordinate with Ukraine and the US in the coming days.
They reiterated the need to ensure a sustainable peace.
Ukraine says it has received 31 civilians who had been held in Belarus
Saturday 22 November 2025 15:00 , Bryony GoochUkraine said it had received 31 civilians on Saturday who had been freed from jail in Belarus.
"Women and men detained in Belarus and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment ranging from two to 11 years are returning to Ukraine," Kyiv's prisoner exchange coordination committee said on the Telegram messaging app.
"We express our gratitude to the United States of America and President Donald Trump for their fruitful work in returning Ukrainian civilians and military personnel from Belarus and Russia," it added.
