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

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

Meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, European and allied leaders rushed to form 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 aligns with several long-standing Russian demands, has drawn cautious criticism across European capitals. While leaders acknowledged Trump’s push to halt the conflict, they also noted that several provisions remain unacceptable for Kyiv.

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

‘Lion-like spirit’ as Europe rallies behind Kyiv

The show of unity followed President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s stark warning that Ukraine faced a choice between surrendering its dignity and freedom or losing Washington’s backing. His remarks prompted European leaders to step up efforts to secure more favourable terms.

A German government source said the leaders met in a room named “Lion” and “adopted the animal’s spirit” while discussing how to strengthen Ukraine’s position.

Amid rising concern, Kyiv confirmed that it would hold talks with senior US officials in Switzerland on ending Russia’s full-scale invasion, now in its fourth year. “Ukraine will never be 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,” the Ukrainian presidency said.

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

Trump sets a tight deadline for Kyiv

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

Trump increased pressure on Kyiv on Friday, saying Zelenskiy must approve the proposal by Thursday. The plan would require Ukraine to cede territory, restrict its military and abandon its NATO ambitions. “He’ll have to like it, and if he doesn’t like it, then you know, they should just keep fighting, I guess,” Trump said. “At some point he’s going to have to accept something he hasn’t accepted.”

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

Western leaders voiced strong reservations, saying they were “concerned by the proposed limitations on Ukraine’s armed forces, which would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attack.” They stressed that any provisions involving the EU or NATO “would need the consent of EU and NATO members respectively.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the plan as a possible foundation for talks, though Moscow is expected to oppose proposals requiring troop withdrawals from occupied territory.

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

European leaders insist borders ‘cannot be changed by force’

Later on Saturday, leaders from the G7 and several European nations reiterated that the US proposal could be a starting point but insisted that no peace settlement can legitimise territorial changes imposed by Russia.

They said the draft “includes important elements essential for a just and lasting peace,” but warned that certain clauses — especially those weakening Ukraine’s defensive capacity — remain deeply problematic.

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

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

They also emphasised that any commitments tied to NATO or the EU require approval from their respective member states.

The diplomatic push comes amid leaked details of the US proposal — viewed by critics as leaning towards Moscow’s interests — intensifying pressure on Kyiv. Zelenskiy has warned that Ukraine is entering “one of the most difficult moments in our history.”

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