European leaders voice concerns over US peace plan, say it needs ‘more work’ – Firstpost

European and other Western leaders said Saturday that a U.S. peace plan could serve as the basis for negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, but stressed that it requires “additional work” — part of a broader effort to secure better terms for Kiev before Thursday’s deadline.

European and allied leaders meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg prepared a coordinated response to US President Donald Trump’s demand that Ukraine accept his 28-point peace proposal with Russia by Thursday.

The draft plan, which is in line with many long-standing Russian demands, has drawn cautious criticism in European capitals. While the leaders acknowledged Trump’s pressure to stop the conflict, they also noted that several provisions are unacceptable to Kiev.

The leaders of the European Union, Germany, France, Britain, Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland, Italy, Japan and Norway, said “the initial draft of the 28-point plan includes key elements that will be essential for a just and lasting peace.” “We therefore believe the draft is a foundation on which additional work will be required,” they said in a joint statement.

‘Lion-like spirit’ as Europe rallies behind Kiev

The show of unity came after President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Ukraine faced a choice between surrendering its dignity and independence or losing Washington’s support. His comments prompted European leaders to increase efforts to secure more favorable terms.

A German government source said the leaders met in a room called the “Lion” and “embraced the spirit of the beast” while discussing how to strengthen Ukraine’s position.

Amid growing concern, Kiev confirmed it would hold talks with senior US officials in Switzerland to end Russia’s full-scale invasion, now in its fourth year. The Ukrainian president said, “Ukraine will never become an obstacle to peace, and representatives of the Ukrainian state will defend the legitimate interests of the Ukrainian people and the foundations of European security.”

Zelensky said: “This is much more than specific points of this or that document. We must ensure that nowhere in Europe or in the world does this principle apply that crimes against people and humanity, against states and nations, can be rewarded and condoned.”

Trump sets strict deadline for Kyiv

National security advisers from France, Britain and Germany will meet with EU, US and Ukrainian officials in Geneva on Sunday to discuss the plan, according to G20 summit officials.

Trump increased pressure on Kiev on Friday, saying that Zelensky must approve the proposal by Thursday. The plan would require Ukraine to give up territory, demobilize its military, and abandon its NATO ambitions. “They have to like it, and if they don’t like it, you know, they should just keep fighting, I think,” Trump said. “At some point he’s going to have to admit something he hasn’t admitted.”

Recalling the tense February meeting, he added: “You remember right in the Oval Office, a little while ago, I said, ‘You don’t have any cards.'”

Western leaders strongly objected, saying they were “concerned by the proposed limits on Ukraine’s armed forces, which would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attack.” He stressed that any provisions involving the EU or NATO would “require the consent of the EU and NATO members respectively.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the plan as a potential basis for negotiations, although Moscow is expected to oppose proposals requiring the withdrawal of troops from occupied territory.

Addressing the nation, Zelensky said Ukraine faced a decisive week. “Now, Ukraine may face a very difficult choice – either lose its dignity or risk losing a key partner,” he said. “I will fight 24/7 to ensure that at least two points are not overlooked in the plan – the dignity and freedom of Ukrainians.”

European leaders say borders ‘cannot be changed by force’

Later on Saturday, the leaders of the G7 and several European countries reiterated that the US proposal could be a starting point but stressed that no peace deal could legitimize territorial changes imposed by Russia.

He said the draft “contains important elements necessary for a just and lasting peace”, but warned that some clauses – particularly those on weakening Ukraine’s defensive capability – remain deeply problematic.

“We are clear on the principle that the borders should not be changed by force,” he said.

Signatories included the leaders of Canada, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, Germany and Norway, as well as senior EU officials.

He also stressed that any commitments involving NATO or the EU require approval from their respective member states.

The diplomatic pressure comes amid leaked details of the US proposal – seen by critics as tilting towards Moscow’s interests – increasing pressure on Kiev. Zelensky warned that Ukraine was entering “one of the most difficult moments in our history”.

Trump has reportedly given Ukraine until November 27 to accept the plan, while Putin has called it a potential “basis” for talks.