Western leaders at the G20 summit in Johannesburg have said the US peace plan for ending the war in Ukraine 'will require additional work', as Emmanuel Macron warned the group risks losing relevance. The draft plan, leaked this week, endorses some Russian demands, including handing over parts of eastern Ukraine, limiting its military, and dropping Nato ambitions. Washington has given Kyiv a Thursday deadline to respond.
European leaders met on the sidelines of the summit to discuss their response. In a joint statement, they said the draft 'includes important elements that will be essential for a just and lasting peace' but 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. The statement was signed by leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Finland, Norway, the EU, Canada, and Japan.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said leaders were concerned about proposals to cap Ukraine's military, as it is 'fundamental that Ukraine has to be able to defend itself if there's a ceasefire'. He described the meeting as among 'mainly allies from the coalition of the willing' and repeated the consensus that the plan requires additional work. Later, No 10 said Starmer spoke to Donald Trump and agreed their teams would work together on the peace plan during talks in Geneva.
French President Emmanuel Macron questioned the G20's efficacy, saying it is 'at risk' due to an inability to find common ground. 'The G20 may be coming to the end of a cycle,' he warned, pointing to struggles over humanitarian law and sovereignty. He reiterated that 'there can be no peace in Ukraine without Ukrainians, without respect for their sovereignty'. Starmer agreed, saying the 'road ahead is tough' but that constructive engagement is needed.
The G20 leaders also called for peace in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and occupied Palestinian territory. Concerns were raised before the summit that Trump's absence, alongside leaders from Russia and China, could undermine credibility. However, host President Cyril Ramaphosa argued the group remains crucial for international cooperation.
