Update Ukraine, Russia, and the United States

🇺🇦 Ukraine

Ukraine is entering into high-level consultations with the U.S. in Switzerland to discuss possible terms for ending the war. Reuters+1
President Volodymyr Zelensky is under huge pressure. He’s warned that rejecting the U.S. plan could jeopardize key international support — but accepting it might mean serious compromises. TIME+2Le Monde.fr+2
On the battlefield, Russian forces claim to have captured several villages in eastern Ukraine (Donetsk region) recently. Al Jazeera
There are reports from Russia that around 5,000 Ukrainian troops are encircled on the eastern bank of the Oskil River in Kharkiv region. Al Jazeera
Ukraine’s air defenses say they shot down 89 of 104 Russian strike drones in a massive overnight attack. RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty

Russia claims to have intercepted dozens of Ukrainian drones over Crimea, the Black Sea, and several Russian mainland regions. Al Jazeera
The Kremlin’s military says it’s made territorial gains in Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Al Jazeera
On the diplomatic side, Russian and American officials helped craft the 28-point peace plan now being debated. The Guardian+2Sky News+2

The U.S. proposed a 28-point peace plan, reportedly in cooperation with Russia, that would require Ukraine to make major concessions: giving up territory, reducing its military, and limiting its future NATO ambitions. Sky News+2The Guardian+2
The U.S. is pressing hard on Ukraine to accept the plan quickly — reportedly giving a deadline around Thanksgiving. Le Monde.fr
U.S. officials have told NATO allies that if Ukraine refuses the deal now, it might face worse terms later. The Guardian
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Prime Minister met with U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll in Kyiv; she called for tougher sanctions on Russia. The Guardian

There’s a real risk of a “take it or leave it” situation: Ukraine may feel coerced into a deal that compromises its sovereignty.
Russia could gain strategic leverage if the plan is accepted, but Ukraine and European allies are deeply skeptical about some of the demands. The Guardian+1
Using long-range U.S.-supplied weapons (like ATACMS) inside Russia — as Ukraine has done — raises the stakes significantly, potentially escalating the conflict. New York Post