EU and NATO warn US peace plan could leave Ukraine 'vulnerable to future attack'
Illustrative photo: EU expresses support for Ukraine (Getty Images)
EU and NATO leaders issued a joint statement on the US-backed peace plan for Ukraine, saying it could serve as a basis but requires significant revisions.
EU leaders welcomed US efforts to establish peace in Ukraine. They noted that the "initial draft of the 28-point plan includes important elements" that will undoubtedly be necessary for a fair and lasting peace. However, they emphasized that the plan can only serve as a starting point and will require additional work.
"We are ready to engage in order to ensure that a future peace is sustainable. We are clear on the principle that borders must not be changed by force. We are also concerned by the proposed limitations on Ukraine's armed forces, which would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attack," the statement said.
The EU leaders also stressed that any elements of the plan involving the European Union or NATO require approval primarily from the members of these blocs, not just the US, Russia, or Ukraine.
"We take this opportunity to underline the strength of our continued support to Ukraine. We will continue to coordinate closely with Ukraine and the US over the coming days," the statement added.
The statement was signed by:
- President of the European Council António Costa;
- President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen;
- Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney;
- President of Finland Alexander Stubb;
- President of France Emmanuel Macron;
- Prime Minister of Ireland Micheál Martin;
- Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni;
- Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi;
- Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof;
- Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez;
- Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer;
- Chancellor of Germany Germany Merz;
- Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre;
- Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk.
US peace plan
American and Russian officials have drafted a 28-point proposal aimed at ending Russia's war against Ukraine, which has been approved by US President Donald Trump. Under the plan, Ukraine would cede part of the Donbas region to Russia in exchange for long-term security guarantees for itself and the EU.
The United States is pressuring Ukraine to accept the plan by November 27, warning that military aid and intelligence sharing could be suspended if Kyiv refuses.
The proposal has already drawn sharp criticism from Ukraine, European governments, and members of the US Congress. It is widely regarded as unacceptable. Analysts note that some Russian involvement appears likely, citing odd phrases in the document. Western media have suggested that parts of the text may have been originally written in Russian.
Next week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to discuss the plan with Trump. Zelenskyy, together with European leaders, is also seeking to revise the plan before November 27 to ensure its terms are equitable for Kyiv.
