German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that a revised peace plan draft for Ukraine has been presented to US President Donald Trump, which includes a proposal on territorial concessions Kyiv may be prepared to consider.
Yet, Merz emphasized that the territorial question is fundamentally one that must be addressed by the Ukrainian president and the Ukrainian populace. We made this clear to President Trump, he added.
In recent weeks, European leaders have collaborated closely with Ukraine to develop a new iteration of a peace plan that considers Kyiv's interests and concerns.
Trump appears to have shown frustration with the complexities surrounding the issues of sovereignty over Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine. Given his previous team’s negotiations with Moscow, Ukraine's European allies express apprehension that Trump might pursue a Russian-led solution.
Merz remarked, It would be a mistake to force the Ukrainian president into a peace that his people will not accept after four years of suffering and death, during a joint news conference with NATO chief Mark Rutte.
In a phone call with Trump, Merz along with France's Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, stressed the importance of hearing European interests.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated readiness to engage directly with Trump but noted that all issues must be resolved prior to such interactions.
The territorial question remains particularly contentious, as Russia demands Ukraine withdraw from regions in Luhansk and Donetsk that it still holds—something Kyiv is resolute against. Zelensky stated, We have no legal right to [cede territory], under Ukrainian law, our constitution and international law. And we don't have any moral right either.
Zelensky is set to hold further talks with allies as he co-chairs a coalition alongside Merz, Macron, and Starmer.
Meanwhile, Moscow has maintained a notable silence amidst these high-stakes discussions, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressing appreciation towards Trump for his deal-brokering efforts.
Yet, Kyiv and its European allies assert that any peace deal without security guarantees could lead to renewed aggression, with Zelensky stating his willingness to hold elections only if accompanied by assured security from the US and Europe.
NATO chief Rutte cautioned that many allies do not perceive the urgency of Russia's threat, asserting, We are Russia's next target, and urging preventive measures against a potential large-scale conflict.
