Western leaders at G20 say US peace plan for Ukraine ‘will require work’
In a significant development at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, European leaders expressed their concerns regarding a recently leaked U.S. peace proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted that the proposal, which includes concessions to Russia, could jeopardize the G20’s relevance if not revised. The draft plan, which has drawn criticism from various Western leaders, suggests Ukraine may need to cede parts of its eastern Donbas region to Russia, limit its military capabilities, and abandon its aspirations to join NATO. This has raised alarm bells, as many view these concessions as undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The leaked proposal comes at a critical time, with Washington setting a deadline for Kyiv to respond by Thursday. European leaders, including Macron, have emphasized that the plan needs substantial adjustments to align with Ukraine’s interests and maintain Western unity against Russian aggression. Macron’s warning about the G20 losing its significance underscores the broader implications of the peace plan—not just for Ukraine, but for international diplomacy and the West’s collective stance against authoritarianism. The absence of former President Donald Trump from the summit further complicates the situation, as his previous administration’s policies had a profound impact on U.S.-European relations and the West’s approach to Russia. As discussions continue, the stakes are high, with the future of Ukraine and the credibility of the G20 hanging in the balance.
The situation underscores the delicate balance Western leaders must navigate between seeking a resolution to the war and upholding the principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The outcome of these discussions at the G20 will not only shape the future of Ukraine but also signal the West’s commitment to standing firm against Russian expansionism in the region. With the deadline looming, the pressure is mounting on both the U.S. and Ukraine to find common ground that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty while also addressing the complex geopolitical landscape.
European leaders say Washington’s proposal needs major changes, as Macron warns G20 risks losing relevance
Western leaders have said the US peace plan for ending the war in Ukraine “will require additional work” at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, which Donald Trump boycotted.
The draft plan
, which was leaked this week, endorsed some of Russia’s demands, such as handing over areas of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, limiting its military, and relinquishing its ambitions to join Nato. Washington has given Kyiv a deadline of Thursday to respond.
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