European Leaders Challenge U.S. Peace Plan in South Africa/ Nwslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ European leaders plan to meet in South Africa to oppose a U.S. peace proposal viewed as pro-Russian. Kyiv, while under intense pressure, is preparing for talks with U.S. officials in Switzerland. The proposal demands Ukrainian concessions, including territory and NATO exclusion, triggering alarm across Europe.
U.S. Ukraine Peace Plan Criticized – Quick Looks
- European Pushback: EU leaders meet to counter U.S. proposal favoring Russia
- Kyiv Prepares for Talks: Ukrainian delegation heads to Switzerland for direct U.S. negotiations
- Peace Plan Details: U.S. calls for territorial concessions, military cuts, NATO ban
- European Warnings: Leaders demand Kyiv’s sovereignty be respected
- Zelenskyy’s Defiance: Speaks out on historic famine and modern threats from Russia
- Drone Strikes Continue: Ukrainian drones hit Russian oil facility; 2 killed
European Leaders Challenge U.S. Peace Plan in South Africa
Deep Look
As geopolitical pressure mounts, European leaders are uniting to counter the United States’ controversial proposal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Meeting in South Africa on the sidelines of the G20 summit, they aim to propose alternatives to a 28-point U.S. peace plan that many in Kyiv and across Europe believe leans heavily toward Moscow’s interests.
At the same time, Ukrainian officials are preparing for direct talks with a U.S. delegation in Switzerland. This dual-track diplomatic effort reflects Ukraine’s increasingly difficult position—caught between maintaining essential American support and defending national sovereignty.
Trump Plan Alarms Kyiv and Europe
The U.S. proposal, pushed by President Donald Trump’s administration, includes several terms that Ukraine and European governments have repeatedly deemed unacceptable. Chief among them are Ukraine relinquishing territory to Russia, accepting restrictions on its armed forces, and formally giving up its aspirations to join NATO.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the plan by warning that Ukraine now faces a critical dilemma: accept terms that undermine its sovereignty, or risk losing the American backing it desperately needs to sustain the war effort.
While Kyiv has shown willingness to engage in talks, many European leaders are openly skeptical. They warn that rushing into a deal could result in an outcome that benefits Russia and leaves Europe more vulnerable to future aggression.
Switzerland Talks: Ukraine’s Response
Rustem Umerov, a key Ukrainian negotiator and former defense minister, announced that consultations with the U.S. will begin in Switzerland. He emphasized Ukraine’s intent to protect its national interests during these discussions.
“These days in Switzerland, we are starting consultations between high-ranking officials of Ukraine and the USA regarding possible parameters of a future peace agreement,” Umerov said on Telegram.
According to a statement from the Ukrainian presidency, the delegation includes nine senior officials—among them Andrii Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, and Umerov. The team has been granted authority to negotiate directly with Russia if required, although no direct talks with Moscow are currently planned.
Europe Unites Behind Kyiv
European leaders have voiced their concerns loudly. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, attending the G20 in South Africa, criticized what he sees as Russia’s insincerity in peace negotiations.
“Time and again, Russia pretends to be serious about peace, but their actions never live up to their words,” he stated, referencing recent deadly Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian civilians.
Starmer and other European leaders are backing the idea of a “just and lasting peace,” which would protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and include enforceable security guarantees.
The message from Brussels has been clear: there can be “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,” as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated.
Von der Leyen and EU Council President António Costa confirmed their participation in the Johannesburg meetings after a call with Zelenskyy, reinforcing their commitment to Kyiv’s position.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul echoed the concern in a televised interview, warning that hasty diplomacy could undermine long-term peace and security for both Ukraine and Europe.
Zelenskyy Stands Firm
Despite growing international pressure, President Zelenskyy remains defiant. On Saturday, he marked Holodomor Memorial Day, which commemorates the Soviet-era famine that killed millions of Ukrainians under Stalin’s regime.
Drawing a parallel between past and present, Zelenskyy reminded his country that Russia has long been a source of oppression and violence toward Ukraine.
“We defended, defend, and will always defend Ukraine. Because only here is our home. And in our home, Russia will definitely not be the master,” he declared on Telegram.
The symbolic remembrance of past atrocities served as a backdrop to Ukraine’s ongoing resistance—highlighting national unity and historical resilience.
Escalating Drone Warfare
Meanwhile, the war continues to take its toll. In the latest escalation, a Ukrainian drone strike targeted a Russian fuel refinery in the southern region of Samara, killing two people and injuring two more. The site of the attack has not been officially disclosed.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses shot down 69 drones over Russian territory and Crimea, with 15 over Samara. These strikes also disrupted air travel and cut power to around 3,000 homes in Rylsk, according to Russian authorities.
These long-range drone operations have become a critical part of Kyiv’s strategy to weaken Russian logistical infrastructure and stretch Moscow’s defensive capabilities.
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