In a recent Daily Mail column, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned a new U.S. peace plan for Ukraine, portraying it as a betrayal. Johnson argued the plan, purportedly a 28-point proposal, would effectively “castrate” Ukraine by allowing Russia control over its military and territory, including relinquishing Crimea and Donbas. He warned that accepting such terms would render Ukraine a puppet state vulnerable to further aggression, comparing it to the appeasement of Munich. Johnson’s remarks, echoing sentiments from figures like Hillary Clinton, highlight the deep divisions within the West regarding the war and its potential resolution.
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Reports from Russian Telegram channels indicate Ukraine’s military struck the Shatura Thermal Power Plant in Moscow Oblast overnight on November 23rd. Social media posts purportedly show a large explosion and fire at the plant, though these reports are unverified by The Kyiv Independent. The attack occurred approximately 120 kilometers east of Moscow, following reports of two Ukrainian drones being shot down en route to the capital and temporary airport closures. This incident aligns with Ukraine’s strategy of targeting Russian infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, as the war continues.
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As the war in Ukraine continues, Western allies are seeking to revise a U.S. peace plan viewed as favorable to Moscow. A Ukrainian delegation, joined by representatives from France, Germany, and the U.K., is preparing for direct talks with Washington to address concerns about the plan. The U.S. proposal, which includes concessions to Russia and limits on Ukraine’s military and NATO aspirations, has raised alarms in Kyiv and European capitals. While the U.S. has indicated the plan is not a “final offer,” European leaders are emphasizing the need for Ukrainian consent and robust guarantees, recognizing that any resolution must be sustainable and just.
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U.S. politicians have strongly criticized a new peace proposal, reportedly pushed by a U.S. administration, warning that it rewards Russia and undermines international security. The proposal, which demands sweeping concessions from Ukraine, including surrendering territory and limiting its armed forces, has been met with bipartisan skepticism, with many viewing it as capitulation. Several senators, speaking at the Halifax International Security Forum, revealed that the plan is not the actual U.S. plan but rather a “wish list of the Russians”. Lawmakers have also launched initiatives to counter the proposal, including a discharge petition to force a vote on stronger sanctions against Russia.
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Yakutia has temporarily suspended payments to Russian military personnel due to regional budget shortfalls and the inability to accurately forecast demand. Finance Minister Ivan Alekseev confirmed the pause, citing difficulties in predicting the number of individuals requiring funds, but assured that the government had secured the necessary funds. The republic had previously allocated significant funds per contract soldier, including federal, regional, and municipal contributions. This action follows a trend of regional governments across Russia, including Tatarstan and Saint Petersburg, reducing or eliminating enlistment bonuses due to increasing budget deficits.
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US officials have reportedly informed NATO allies of their expectation to pressure President Zelenskyy into accepting a peace deal with Russia in the coming days, with the threat of a much harsher deal if he refuses. The proposed agreement, which has been negotiated with limited ally input, contains potentially unacceptable provisions for Kyiv, including territorial concessions and amnesty for war crimes. These terms, which are being presented as non-negotiable, have led to concern among European allies regarding Russia’s influence in the negotiations. The US is pushing for a rapid resolution, with the aim of having the deal finalized by Thanksgiving, and sees the agreement as “beneficial to Ukraine” even with its challenging terms.
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Polish President Karol Nawrocki emphasized that any peace plan to end the war in Ukraine, instigated by the Russian Federation, must be approved by Kyiv. He asserted that Ukraine, as the victim of Russian aggression, deserves the decisive voice in peace negotiations, supported by the US and EU. Furthermore, Nawrocki highlighted that proposals for peace must consider Russia’s history of disregarding agreements. Ultimately, any peace agreement must not concede to the aggressor’s strategic objectives.
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In South Africa, amidst the G20 summit, a joint statement issued by multiple world leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, expressed concerns about U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to end the war in Ukraine. The plan, which Zelenskyy must accept or reject by a deadline, is seen as potentially favoring Russia by proposing territorial concessions and limitations on Ukraine’s armed forces. World leaders, who met on the edges of the G20 summit, are committed to ensuring that any future peace is sustainable and are ready to engage to protect Ukraine’s interest. Trump has stated that Zelenskyy will have to accept the plan, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested it could form a basis for a final peace settlement. However, leaders like Keir Starmer have noted Russia’s lack of commitment to peace and its continued aggression.
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Following the leak of a US peace plan, Russia stated it has yet to receive any official communication from the US regarding the proposal. The plan reportedly includes provisions such as Ukraine ceding territory, reducing its military, and forgoing NATO membership, which has drawn careful responses from Kyiv. While Zelensky expressed a willingness to discuss the proposals, the Kremlin emphasized its openness to peace talks. The plan also proposes reintegrating Russia into the global economy, but has faced criticism from both Ukrainians under occupation and those in Kyiv, who view it as a continuation of the war.
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Linguists have observed the unusual prevalence of specific phrases in the draft peace plan, such as “it is expected,” which closely mirrors the Russian phrase “ozhidayetsya.” The plan, secretly negotiated by President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and a Russian advisor, notably excluded Ukrainian and European officials. Under the controversial proposal, Ukraine would surrender significant territories to Russia and be prohibited from joining NATO, while Russia would regain G8 membership. Furthermore, the plan includes substantial military reductions for Ukraine and the lifting of sanctions against Russia, contingent on future Russian actions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker