Ukraine Allies Voice Concerns Over Proposed U.S. Peace Plan
GENEVA/KYIV – as peace talks convene in Geneva, key European allies are signaling reservations about a potential U.S. peace plan for Ukraine, emphasizing the necessity of Ukrainian involvement and adherence to it’s sovereignty. Concerns center on ensuring any agreement doesn’t compromise Ukraine’s territorial integrity and reflects its own national interests, a stance repeatedly underscored by European leaders at the G20 summit.
While details of the U.S. proposal remain largely undisclosed, European officials are pushing for modifications to guarantee Ukraine has a central role in negotiations and that Russia demonstrates a commitment to respecting previously agreed-upon boundaries. Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian democratic Union in Germany, stated during a G20 briefing, “An end to the war can only be achieved with the unconditional consent of Ukraine,” adding he’d conveyed to former President trump the importance of European participation in any peace process, and Russia’s past failures to uphold commitments regarding Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen reinforced this position,declaring a core principle for Kyiv’s allies is “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this sentiment at the G20, stating, “there can be no peace in Ukraine without respect for ukraine’s sovereignty,” without directly addressing the U.S. plan. Moscow, meanwhile, continues to seek more favorable terms in any potential agreement.
Ukraine itself is approaching the talks with resolve. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a video address Saturday, affirmed Ukrainian representatives “know how to protect Ukrainian national interests and exactly what is needed to prevent Russia from carrying out” another invasion. He stressed that “real peace is always based on security and justice.” A nine-member Ukrainian delegation,including Chief of Staff Andrii Yermak and top envoy Rustem Umerov,is empowered to negotiate directly with Russia.
The Geneva talks coincide with Ukraine’s commemoration of Holodomor Memorial Day, marking the millions who perished in the soviet-era famine of the early 1930s. Zelenskyy drew parallels between the past tragedy and the current conflict,stating on Telegram,”We are once again defending ourselves against Russia,which has not changed and is once again bringing death.” He vowed, “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.”
