Europe Europeans reject parts of the US plan for war in Ukraine
Germany and other leading supporters of Ukraine reject the US plan for an end to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine in its current form. Although the current draft is a basis, further work must be done on the plan, according to a statement published after a crisis meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg. They are ready to get involved to ensure that future peace is sustainable.
22.11.2025, 15:19
SDA
As confirmed to the German Press Agency by German government circles, representatives of leading European states want to discuss the US peace plan with the USA and Ukraine on Sunday. The meeting will take place in Geneva, according to the statement.
The statement said that borders should not be changed by force. They are also concerned about the proposed restrictions on the Ukrainian armed forces, which would make Ukraine vulnerable to future attacks.
Non-Europeans also support the declaration
In addition to Merz, the declaration was signed by the heads of state and government of France, Italy, the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland and Norway. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President António Costa were present on behalf of the EU. As non-Europeans, the political leaders of Canada and Japan also support the declaration.
The aim of the signatories is to negotiate what they see as unacceptable concessions to Russia out of the Americans' 28-point plan. For example, the US proposal envisages Ukraine ceding previously defended territories to Russia, limiting its military capabilities and NATO declaring a renunciation of any expansion.
Russia, on the other hand, would only have to make comparatively minor concessions, including giving up state assets frozen in the EU. This would be used for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Ukraine and European partners are in a quandary
US President Donald Trump wants Ukraine to essentially accept the plan by next Thursday. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, Ukraine risks losing the USA as a key partner if it rejects the plan.
Without the support of the largest military power, which sells weapons to Ukraine and provides data for the war against Russia, it would be much more difficult to continue the defensive fight against the invaders.
The situation is also dicey for Germany and Ukraine's other European partners. They fear that a peace plan that rewards the aggressor will not bring lasting peace to the continent. At the same time, they are also keen to see an end to the war in view of the tense financial situation and a population in many countries that is weary of support. According to information from Brussels, the European Union and its member states alone have already spent more than 187 billion euros on supporting Ukraine.
