European Leaders Reject Trump’s Controversial Ukraine Peace Plan

European leaders and the United Nations have expressed strong reservations about a proposed peace plan for Ukraine put forward by former US President Donald Trump. The plan, consisting of 28 points, favors significant concessions from Kyiv, including territorial losses and military reductions. This proposal, which has raised alarms in European capitals, is perceived as heavily skewed towards Russia’s interests.

The plan, which President Trump emphasized in a recent interview, suggests that Ukraine should relinquish a considerable section of its eastern territory and reduce the size of its armed forces. Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the proposal could serve as a foundation for peace, indicating that Moscow had received a copy from the US. He also warned of potential further territorial seizures if Ukraine rejects the plan, citing recent military advances in the city of Kupiansk.

Trump indicated a deadline of November 27 for Ukraine to respond to the proposal, stating, “I’ve had a lot of deadlines, but if things are working well, you tend to extend the deadlines.” He asserted that continued conflict would ultimately result in Ukraine losing the territories it would need to cede under the terms of the proposed agreement. Trump described Ukrainian forces as “very brave” but expressed an expectation that Putin is not seeking further conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vehemently opposed the US plan, asserting he would not “betray” his country. He rejected the proposal as overly favorable to the Kremlin, emphasizing that Ukraine did not abandon its dignity at the onset of the war in 2022 and will not do so now. Zelenskyy acknowledged the difficult choices ahead, stating, “Ukraine may face a very difficult choice: either the loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner.”

European leaders, including France’s President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have called for a solution that fully involves Ukraine in the peace process. During a conversation with Zelenskyy, they stressed that any decisions impacting Europe and NATO must reflect the consensus of all partners.

The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has emphasized that a viable peace plan must include input from both Ukrainians and Europeans. She stated, “We have to understand that in this war, there is one aggressor and one victim.” Kallas pointed out the absence of concessions from the Russian side, reinforcing the need for a balanced approach.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated on social media that Ukraine must play a central role in determining its future. Following discussions with Zelenskyy, she announced that European leaders would convene to discuss the US peace proposal on the sidelines of the upcoming G20 meeting in Johannesburg. She stated, “We are clear that there should be nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shared her views with Merz, reaffirming the goal of achieving a just and lasting peace for all of Europe while noting that some aspects of the US plan warranted further exploration.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban emphasized the importance of the coming weeks to halt the war, suggesting that preliminary discussions between Russia and the US had taken place regarding the peace plan. He characterized this moment as critical, stating, “I think we’re at a decisive moment, the next two or three weeks will be crucial.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has underscored that any peace resolution must adhere to General Assembly resolutions, which clearly state that Ukraine’s territorial integrity must be upheld.

As Europe grapples with the implications of the proposed peace plan, the stakes remain high for both Ukraine and the broader international community. The unfolding situation will likely shape the future course of the conflict and diplomatic relations in the region.