At least eight Russian airports were forced to suspend operations overnight following a drone attack on several Russian cities, launched by Ukraine.
The Russian Ministry of Defence on November 21 stated that at least 33 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and destroyed across five Russian regions, including Crimea and the Black Sea.
This overnight attack occurred shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed willingness to engage in “honest” discussions with Washington on a potential plan to end the war on November 20.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would refrain from taking any actions that could undermine diplomatic efforts.
“Ukraine needs peace and Ukraine will do everything so that no one in the world can say we are upending diplomacy. This is important,” Zelenskyy said.
“The number one task for everyone is a constructive diplomatic process with America and all our partners. It is vital to have stable support for our army and all our planned defence operations and deep strikes.”
Ukrainian Security Official Denies Agreeing to Trump’s Peace Plan
However, Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council and former Defence Minister, refuted claims on November 21 that he had agreed to the terms of a proposed peace plan.
US officials had stated that the plan was developed after consultations with Umerov, a close ally of President Zelenskyy.
But Umerov clarified that he had neither discussed nor approved the plan’s terms.
Also Read: Why Zelenskyy May Sell Part of Ukraine to Putin
Additionally, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia has not yet been informed of Zelensky’s agreement to negotiate based on the US plan.
The US presented Kyiv with a 28-point plan that supported several of Russia’s key demands, including territorial concessions from Ukraine, a reduction in its military size, and the permanent abandonment of any aspirations to join NATO.
Also Read: Inside Trump’s Latest Blueprint to End the War in Ukraine
US Peace Plan
Reuters on Wednesday, November 19, revealed that the framework would involve Kyiv making significant concessions, including giving up certain territories and limiting its military capabilities.
According to Axios, the plan contains 28 points and would see Ukraine withdrawing forces from the Donetsk region, effectively ceding control of the Donbas to Russia.
The Donetsk and Luhansk regions would become a demilitarized zone, with Russia also barred from deploying troops.
Under the proposal, the United States and its allies would recognize Crimea and the Donbas as Russian territory, but Ukraine would not be obliged to do the same.
In addition, Ukraine would recognize Russian as an official state language and grant the Russian Orthodox Church official status. Foreign troops would be barred from being stationed in Ukraine.
In return, the US is expected to offer Ukraine security guarantees in the event of renewed Russian aggression, though the specifics of those guarantees have not been disclosed.
