KYIV, Ukraine (BN24) — Ukraine’s Western allies voiced strong opposition on Saturday to a U.S.-crafted peace proposal that many in Kyiv and Europe believe could favor Russia despite its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The 28-point blueprint, designed to bring an end to the war that has lasted nearly four years, has sparked alarm among Ukrainian leaders and European capitals, who warn that the plan could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The U.S. proposal, which foresees Ukraine ceding territory to Russia and limiting the size of its military, has been met with resistance from Kyiv, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowing that Ukraine will “always defend” its home. The plan also includes provisions that would block Ukraine’s path to NATO membership, another major point of contention.
A Ukrainian delegation, supported by officials from France, Germany, and the U.K., is set to meet with Washington in Switzerland on Sunday to discuss the proposal. The diplomatic talks are seen as a crucial moment in the ongoing international effort to resolve the conflict, with Ukraine’s allies emphasizing the need for any peace agreement to uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity and its right to self-defense.
The U.S. proposal has raised serious concerns. Zelenskyy and other leaders in Kyiv fear that it could leave the country vulnerable to further aggression from Russia. Ukrainian officials have consistently rejected the idea of territorial concessions to Moscow, a key demand of the Russian government, and have emphasized that they will not compromise on their sovereignty.
On Saturday, leaders from the European Union, Canada, and Japan issued a joint statement expressing support for U.S. peace efforts but pushing back on several elements of the plan. “We are ready to engage to ensure that a future peace is sustainable,” the statement said. “We are clear on the principle that borders must not be changed by force,” it added, voicing concerns about the proposed limitations on Ukraine’s armed forces, which they argue would leave the country vulnerable to future Russian attacks.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, reiterated European leaders’ insistence that any peace agreement must involve Ukraine’s full participation. “Wars cannot be ended by major powers over the heads of the countries affected,” Merz said, stressing that Kyiv needs strong security guarantees. “From my perspective, there is currently a chance to end this war,” Merz added, though he cautioned, “we are still quite a way from a good outcome for everyone.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also voiced his concerns, emphasizing the importance of respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty. In a speech at the G20 summit, Macron stated, “There can be no peace in Ukraine without respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty.”
The European pushback highlights the growing divide over how to end the war, with Kyiv’s allies insisting that Russia’s ongoing aggression and refusal to honor previous peace agreements should not be rewarded in any final settlement. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, commenting ahead of the G20 summit, criticized Russia for undermining diplomatic efforts while continuing its brutal attacks on Ukraine.
“Time and again, Russia pretends to be serious about peace, but their actions never live up to their words,” Starmer said, referencing a recent Russian strike in western Ukraine that killed over two dozen civilians.
In the wake of growing tensions, European leaders have repeatedly warned against rushing into peace talks, stressing the need for a solution that reflects Ukraine’s needs and interests. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine” must be the guiding principle of any peace process.
For his part, Zelenskyy remained defiant. In a video address on Saturday, he reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to defending its national interests and vowed to prevent any further Russian invasions. “Real peace is always based on security and justice,” he said, underscoring that Ukraine would not be coerced into compromising its territorial integrity.
The upcoming talks in Switzerland, which will include key Ukrainian officials such as Zelenskyy’s chief of staff Andrii Yermak and envoy Rustem Umerov, are seen as a critical juncture in the conflict. Zelenskyy confirmed that the talks would allow Ukrainian negotiators to discuss directly with Russia’s representatives.
Saturday also marked the anniversary of the Soviet-era famine, known as the Holodomor, which Ukrainians commemorate as a reminder of the devastating suffering caused by Soviet policies. Zelenskyy referenced the tragic event in his remarks, drawing parallels to the current situation. “We defended, defend, and will always defend Ukraine. Because only here is our home. And in our home, Russia will definitely not be the master,” he said.
As the U.S. peace plan remains under scrutiny, the world watches closely to see whether Ukraine’s allies and Kyiv’s leadership can find common ground on a path to end the war while securing Ukraine’s future.
