German media on November 21 focused extensively on the US-proposed peace plan for Ukraine, which reportedly includes significant concessions to Russia. In the morning, multiple outlets detailed the plan's provisions, sparking concerns of a "capitulation" for Kyiv (FAZ, Spiegel, Welt).
By the early afternoon, reports highlighted Washington's pressure on Kyiv to accept the framework agreement, with German Chancellor Merz engaging in crisis calls with leaders including Trump and Zelenskyy (Bild, FR, merkur.de). Concerns also emerged regarding the plan's potential to undermine European security interests (Spiegel, Sueddeutsche).
The evening saw a strong focus on President Trump's ultimatum to Kyiv to accept the 28-point plan by Thursday, with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reportedly preparing his country for very difficult times (Bild, FR, Sueddeutsche). Europe's role in the peace process was increasingly described as marginalized, with the plan causing shock in Brussels.