Former US President Donald Trump has launched a furious public attack on Ukraine's leadership, accusing it of showing "zero gratitude" for his efforts to broker a peace deal with Russia.
The 28-Point Ultimatum
The erratic leader has given Kyiv a strict deadline of this Thursday to accept a comprehensive 28-point peace plan. This comes despite significant unease from European allies, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who have raised serious objections to the proposal's contents.
The controversial plan, which has sparked a backlash, reportedly involves significant concessions to Vladimir Putin's Russia. Key points include drastically cutting the size of Ukraine's armed forces and formally abandoning its long-standing ambition to join NATO.
International Backlash and Geneva Talks
High-stakes talks involving Ukraine, the US, and European nations were held in Geneva on Sunday to discuss the proposed agreement. The UK's National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, was in attendance.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky provided an update, suggesting there was some progress. He stated on social media that there was now an understanding that the American proposals could incorporate elements of Ukraine's own vision, which he described as "critically important for Ukraine's national interests."
However, Trump's patience appears to have worn thin. In a social media rant, he declared, "Ukraine 'leadership' has expressed zero gratitude for our efforts, and Europe continues to buy oil from Russia." He later added that the current plan was "not my final offer" following the widespread criticism.
European Leaders Stand Firm
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a firm rebuttal to the plan's core tenets. She emphasised that "borders cannot be changed by force" and warned that limiting Ukraine's military would leave the country vulnerable to future aggression, thereby undermining European security as a whole.
She affirmed that "Ukraine must have the freedom and sovereign right to choose its own destiny," noting its clear choice for a European future.
This stance was echoed in a joint statement from Keir Starmer and other European leaders. While they acknowledged the plan contained some elements for a just peace, they insisted it "will require additional work." They expressed deep concern over the proposed military limitations and stressed that any elements relating to the EU and NATO would require the full consent of those organisations.
UK Cabinet Minister Heidi Alexander reinforced this position, stating on Sunday that the future of Ukraine "has to be determined by Ukrainians themselves." She confirmed the UK government believes the draft plan needs more work but asserted that Britain's voice "does count" in Washington and that it is actively working to influence the dialogue.
