KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – European leaders are set to meet in South Africa on Saturday to hash out alternatives to a U.S. plan to halt Russia’s war in Ukraine seen as favoring Moscow, while a top Ukrainian delegation prepares for direct talks with Washington.

The 28-point blueprint to end the Kremlin’s aggression sparked alarm in Kyiv and European capitals, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying Friday that his country could face a stark choice between standing up for its sovereign rights and preserving the American support it needs.

The U.S. plan foresees Ukraine handing over territory to Russia, something Kyiv has repeatedly ruled out, while reducing the size of its army and blocking its coveted path to NATO membership. It contains many of Moscow´s long-standing demands, while

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