Ukraine allies concerned about US war-ending plan

International Desk

The leaders of Europe, Canada and Japan have expressed concern over a draft proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine war presented by the United States at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. Their joint statement said that while the plan contains some elements necessary for a just and lasting peace, proposals to change borders and limit Ukraine’s military capabilities are worrisome.

US President Donald Trump told reporters on Saturday evening that it was not his “final proposal.” The draft will be further discussed at a meeting of security advisers from the US, UK, France, Germany and Ukraine in Geneva, Switzerland, on Sunday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously warned that the country is going through “one of the most difficult moments in its history” under US pressure.

He said that accepting the proposal could mean Ukraine would have to choose between risking losing its prestige or losing a key ally.

Trump has given Ukraine until November 27 to accept his 28-point plan. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also said the plan could be “the basis for a compromise.”

In a joint statement issued at the G20 summit, leaders of 11 countries, including the European Council, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Canada, and Japan, said, “We are clear that border changes by force are unacceptable. The proposed military restrictions could put Ukraine at risk of future attacks.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke by phone with Zelensky and later Trump, saying that ensuring Ukraine’s ability to defend itself was a prerequisite for any peace deal.

Under the US proposal, Ukraine would have to withdraw troops from parts of the Donetsk region, and Russia would retain control of Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. The borders of the Kherson and Zaporizhia regions would be fixed at the current battle lines. The Ukrainian army would be limited to 600,000 personnel, and European warplanes would be stationed in neighboring Poland.

The plan also includes a proposal to ease sanctions on Russia and reinstate the country to the G-7 (and then the G-8).

Zelensky announced on Saturday that his chief aide, Andriy Yermak, would lead Ukraine’s delegation to future peace talks.

“Our representatives know how to protect national interests and how to prevent possible future attacks by Russia,” he said.

Ukraine is currently heavily dependent on the United States for advanced missiles, air defense systems and intelligence support. Putin, on the other hand, has said that Russia is ready to be flexible, but also prepared to continue the fight.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russian forces have been slowly advancing in the southeast in recent months.