Image: from Dick Schoof X@MinPres
By Isabella Harper | Staff Writer with Agencies
As diplomatic pressure intensifies around the war in Ukraine, Western leaders signalled on Saturday that the U.S.-drafted 28-point peace plan could serve as a foundation for negotiations. They warned, however, that significant adjustments are needed to make the proposal acceptable for Kyiv. With a Thursday deadline imposed by Washington, governments across Europe moved urgently to form a coordinated response.
The statement emerged from a hastily arranged meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg. Leaders from the European Union, Germany, France, Britain, Canada, Italy, Japan, Spain, Finland, Norway and the Netherlands agreed that while the plan contains “important elements essential for a just and lasting peace”, it cannot be adopted as written. Diplomats described an atmosphere of intense debate as governments attempted to reconcile the White House’s insistence on quick acceptance with Ukraine’s refusal to sacrifice core principles.
A German official said the meeting took place in a room called “lion” and remarked that leaders adopted the animal’s spirit, pushing firmly for improved terms that would not leave Ukraine strategically exposed. Their urgency was fuelled by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s stark warning the previous evening that his nation now faced a choice between losing its dignity or losing American support.
Zelenskyy urged national unity, promising that Ukraine would not be coerced into surrendering its sovereignty. In a statement released by his office, he stressed that Ukraine would engage in talks and defend both the interests of its people and the broader foundations of European security. Later, in an address to the nation, he framed the stakes even more sharply, insisting that no peace deal should legitimize aggression or reward crimes against humanity.
Meanwhile, Kyiv confirmed that it would meet high-level U.S. officials in Switzerland for discussions aimed at refining the proposal. The planned talks suggest that Washington may be open to modifications despite President Donald Trump’s public insistence on a firm deadline.
On Friday, Trump declared that Zelenskyy must approve the U.S. plan by Thursday. The proposal requires Ukraine to cede territory, reduce its military capabilities and abandon its long-term ambition to join NATO. Trump’s remarks made clear that he believes Ukraine is negotiating from a position of weakness, recalling a tense February meeting with Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. “You don’t have the cards,” he said, implying that Kyiv risks losing everything if it refuses.
The tone of the ultimatum unsettled European allies, who fear that the limitations imposed on Ukraine’s armed forces could invite future Russian aggression. The joint statement from Western leaders emphasized that any provisions affecting NATO or the European Union cannot be implemented without the approval of their respective members.
Russian President Vladimir Putin responded by calling the U.S. document a potential basis for resolving the conflict. Still, Moscow has its own reservations; some points would require Russian forces to withdraw from territories they have recently claimed. In a televised appearance with top military officials, Putin warned that if Ukraine rejects the plan, Russian troops will continue offensive operations similar to those reported in the contested city of Kupyansk.
Despite the Kremlin’s declarations, independent observers, Ukrainian officials and even pro-Russian bloggers have challenged Moscow’s claims of major territorial gains.
As the clock counts down, Zelenskyy is attempting to prepare Ukrainians for what could be the most consequential set of negotiations since the invasion began. “Ukraine can face a very difficult choice, either losing dignity or risking the loss of a major partner,” he said. He vowed to defend at least two principles above all others, the dignity and freedom of Ukraine’s people.
With diplomatic manoeuvring unfolding across continents and the deadline looming, the next few days may determine not only Ukraine’s future but the trajectory of European security for years to come.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.