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, leaked this week, endorses some Russian demands, including handing over areas of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, limiting its military, and relinquishing its Nato ambitions. Washington has given Kyiv a deadline of Thursday to respond.
European leaders met on the sidelines of the summit and issued a joint statement saying the draft “includes important elements that will be essential for a just and lasting peace”, but it is “a basis which will require additional work”. They stressed that “borders must not be changed by force”, and that any elements relating to the EU and Nato would need their agreement.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said leaders were concerned about US proposals to cap Ukraine’s military “because it’s fundamental that Ukraine has to be able to defend itself if there’s a ceasefire”. He confirmed that US, Ukrainian and European national security advisers would meet in Switzerland on Sunday to discuss the framework in detail.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron questioned the efficacy of the G20, warning it is “at risk” due to its inability to find common ground on major crises. He said world leaders needed to “re-engage around a few priorities” to ensure the forum remains relevant.
Starmer also confirmed he had spoken to Trump by phone, agreeing that their teams would work together on the peace plan during talks in Geneva. Later, No 10 said Starmer had reiterated the UK’s “steadfast support” for Ukraine in a call with President Zelenskyy.
