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The leaders expressed particular concern over clauses that would restrict Ukraine’s military capabilities and potentially leave the country exposed to future Russian aggression
European leaders discuss US peace plan for Ukraine
European leaders on Saturday said a 28-point peace proposal drafted by the United States to end the war in Ukraine is only a starting point and requires “additional work”, stressing that no settlement can legitimise changes to Ukraine’s borders imposed by Russia.
In a joint statement issued on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, leaders from the Group of Seven nations and several European states said the plan “includes important elements essential for a just and lasting peace,” but warned that key provisions remain problematic.
The gathering took place without the participation of the US administration, which boycotted the summit.
The leaders expressed particular concern over reported clauses that would restrict Ukraine’s military capabilities and potentially leave the country exposed to future Russian aggression.
“We are clear on the principle that borders must not be changed by force,” the statement said.
“We are also concerned by the proposed limitations on Ukraine’s armed forces, which would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attack.”
Signatories to the joint statement included the heads of government of Canada, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, Germany and Norway, along with senior EU officials.
We welcome the continued US efforts to bring peace to Ukraine.The initial draft of the 28-point plan includes important elements that will be essential for a just and lasting peace.
We believe therefore that the draft is a basis which will require additional work.
We are… pic.twitter.com/PM5LHn7xXX
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 22, 2025
They also stressed that any provisions affecting NATO or the European Union must receive approval from their respective member states.
The pushback comes amid mounting pressure on Kyiv to accept the US-drafted terms.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that Ukraine was facing “one of the most difficult moments in our history,” following leaked details of the plan that critics say tilt in Moscow’s favour.
US President Donald Trump has reportedly given Ukraine until 27 November to accept the proposal, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has called it a possible “basis” for negotiations.
Despite acknowledging the plan as a foundation for discussion, European leaders made clear that substantial changes will be required before any deal can be considered viable.
“We are ready to engage in order to ensure that a future peace is sustainable,” the statement said.
Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be…Read More
Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be… Read More
November 22, 2025, 8:10 PM IST
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