Ukraine allies to hold talks at G20 on White House peace plan

As the G20 summit convenes in South Africa, Ukraine’s allies are set to bolster a US-proposed peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the commitment of Ukraine’s ‘friends and partners’ to achieving a lasting peace. This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of one of the most challenging periods in Ukraine’s history, as pressure mounts to accept a plan perceived as favorable to Moscow. The leaked draft includes contentious provisions such as ceding control of eastern regions, reducing Ukraine’s military size, and pledging not to join NATO. European leaders, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, have expressed concerns over the plan’s bias towards Russia, stressing that any agreement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has urged Kyiv to accept the proposal, warning of further territorial losses if the plan is not adopted. The White House has defended the plan, asserting that Ukraine was involved in its drafting. Amid these developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated openness to the proposal but reiterated Russia’s commitment to its military objectives. The summit will also address the broader implications of the conflict, including the potential reintegration of Russia into the global economy and the lifting of sanctions.