JOHANNESBURG — US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the US proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine war is not his “final offer” for Kyiv, amid growing concerns from Ukraine’s allies over elements of the leaked plan that are seen as favorable to Moscow.

The comments came hours after leaders from Europe, Canada and Japan said the draft contains principles “essential for a just and lasting peace,” but stressed that it “requires additional work,” citing proposed border changes and limits on the size of Ukraine’s armed forces.

On Sunday, senior security officials from Britain, France, Germany, the United States and Ukraine will meet in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss the 28-point framework.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned earlier that Ukraine is facing “one of the most difficult moments in our history” as Washington presses Kyiv to consider the deal.

Trump has given Ukraine until 27 November to accept the plan, while Russian President Vladimir Putin said it could serve as the “basis” for a settlement.

Asked at the White House whether the plan presented to Kyiv is his final offer, Trump replied: “No, not my final offer. One way or another we have to get it [the war] ended, so we’re working on it.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff will join the Geneva talks. The UK will be represented by National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell.

A joint statement issued at the G20 summit in Johannesburg on Saturday — signed by leaders of Canada, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, Germany and Norway, along with EU officials — said the draft requires adjustments to ensure any future peace is sustainable.

“We are clear on the principle that borders must not be changed by force,” the leaders said, adding that proposed caps on Ukraine’s military would leave the country vulnerable to future attack. They also noted that any elements relating to the EU or NATO would require the consent of member states.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, attending the G20, spoke with both Zelensky and Trump. Downing Street said London and Washington agreed to coordinate in Geneva and “speak again tomorrow.”

The US plan would require Ukrainian forces to withdraw from the parts of eastern Donetsk they currently control, granting Russia de facto control of the entire Donbas region.

It also proposes freezing front lines in southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, limiting Ukraine’s military to 600,000 personnel, and stationing European jets in Poland as part of long-term security guarantees.

The draft also envisions Russia being “reintegrated into the global economy” through the lifting of sanctions and a return to the G7 as a reconstituted G8.

On Friday, Trump said Zelensky would “have to like” the terms but suggested that, if not, “they should just keep fighting.”

Addressing the nation, Zelensky warned that Ukraine “might face a very difficult choice: either losing dignity, or risk losing a key partner.” He said Kyiv would work “constructively” with Washington on the proposal, while urging Ukrainians to “stop the political games.”

Zelensky named Andriy Yermak, his chief of staff, as the head of Ukraine’s negotiating team for future talks. “Our representatives know how to defend Ukraine’s national interests,” he said.

Ukraine remains heavily dependent on US-supplied air defense systems, advanced weaponry and intelligence. Putin confirmed the Kremlin has received the US proposal but said detailed discussions have not yet begun, adding that Russia is willing to “show flexibility” while remaining prepared to continue the war. — BBC