European leaders say a controversial 28-point plan promoted by the US to end the war in Ukraine is far from being the final settlement. Kyiv under ‘enormous’ pressure to take or leave deal by Thursday. Zelenskyy warns country could ‘lose dignity or key ally’.
European leaders said the 28-point plan promoted by the United States for Ukraine is "a draft" and will have to be amended to incorporate their demands.
Leaders said in a joint statement Saturday following a dramatic week that the plan could serve as the basis of a negotiation, but more work is needed, and the current terms are not final.
The leaders, which include the German Chancellor, the UK Prime Minister, and the French President, express concerns about suggestions that Ukraine’s army would be downsized in a settlement with Russia and argue points related to European and NATO security would have to be approved by Europe and allies first.
«We are concerned by the proposed limitations on Ukraine's armed forces,” the statement read.
“We also reiterate that the implementation of elements relating to the European Union and relating to NATO would need the consent of EU and NATO members respectively.”
The statement was adopted by EU Council President Costa, President von der Leyen, Canadian Prime Minister Carney, Finland's President Stubb, President Macron, German Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Martin, Italian Prime Minister Meloni, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi, Dutch Prime Minister Schoof, Prime Minister Støre, Prime Minister Sánchez, UK Prime Minister Starmer and Poland's Donald Tusk.
EU leaders at 27 are set to meet again on Monday.
Decisive week for Ukraine and Europe
Europeans and their allies are holding crunch meetings on the sidelines of the G20 summit in South Africa to shield Ukraine from being pressured into signing a rushed deal that could leave Kyiv exposed to future aggressions.
A European Union official told Euronews "there is an intense diplomatic effort" underway before a deadline imposed by the US for Ukraine to take or leave the 28-point plan.
The same diplomat told Euronews the pressure on Kyiv is "enormous" and a group of countries supportive of Ukraine led by France and the United Kingdom will be presenting a counter plan.
The concerns for the Europeans hinge around three main points: sovereignty, territories, and Russia's war reparations.
The statement published on Saturday states that borders cannot be changed by force, a rebuke to the 28-point plan which calls for significant territorial concessions from Ukraine, including giving up the entirety of Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk to Russia.
In their statement, the leaders also stress their rejection to reducing Ukraine's military capacity, contrary to the US plan which calls for a reduction to 600,000 personnel compared to the close to 900,000 troops Ukraine currently holds.
Europeans and Ukrainians agree that the armed forces of the country should be strengthen and grow bigger in the future to contain the possibility of a future aggression.
Lastly, Europeans disagree on what to do with the Russia frozen assets, mostly held in Europe.
The EU is looking for ways to use 140 billion euros of immobilised Russian assets held in Belgium to issue an unprecedented reparations loan for Ukraine to cover its military and budget needs for 2026 and 2027.
The plan pitched by the US after direct negotiations with Moscow suggests the opposite.
Although the details are vague, the plan indicates that the frozen assets would be unblocked and placed in two investment funds, one for Ukraine and second for Russia.
The US would benefit economically from both funds while the Europeans are seen paying 100 billion euros to reconstruct Ukraine.
One European official who spoke to Euronews on the condition of anonymity as the talks are private said it was "surprising to see that level of economic brutality".
For Europe, keeping the assets frozen under its jurisdiction is a powerful tool.
The challenge for Europeans will be to present an alternative plan without drawing the ire of President Donald Trump who wants a deal fast.
"This is the most difficult hour," the diplomat said.
President Zelenskyy told Ukrainians in a video address Friday that the country faces a draconian choice: lose its dignity or the support of the United States.