Western Leaders Seek Adjustments to U.S. Peace Proposal for Ukraine

European and other Western leaders signaled on Saturday that the U.S. peace proposal for ending Russia’s war in Ukraine could serve as a foundation for negotiations, but emphasized that the 28-point plan requires further refinement. Their coordinated response comes as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes Kyiv to accept the agreement by Thursday, prompting urgent diplomacy at the G20 summit.

Trump later hinted the proposal was not final, suggesting room for revisions. European officials, however, stressed that the current draft includes terms that strongly favor Russia, making it difficult for Ukraine to accept without changes. Leaders from the EU, Germany, France, Britain, Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland, Italy, Japan, and Norway agreed the plan contains important elements but needs “additional work” to ensure a fair and lasting peace.

To accelerate progress, national security advisers from France, Britain, Germany, the EU, the U.S., and Ukraine will meet in Geneva on Sunday, with Italy also sending a representative. French President Emmanuel Macron noted that any deal must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and support long-term European security, not just reflect an American blueprint.

The urgency intensified after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned that Ukraine risks either losing its dignity and freedom or jeopardizing its relationship with Washington. He vowed never to compromise Ukraine’s core values, emphasizing that security guarantees must be part of any agreement to prevent future aggression.

On the frontline, Ukrainian soldiers questioned why they should be pressured to surrender territory after years of sacrifice. Trump’s plan reportedly calls for Ukraine to cede land, limit its military, and abandon its goal of joining NATO—conditions Western leaders worry would leave the country vulnerable.

Despite acknowledging an opening for diplomacy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz cautioned that a satisfying resolution remains distant. Western allies aim to propose revisions in Geneva that better protect Ukraine’s interests while keeping diplomatic channels with Washington open.