European diplomats have emphasized that Ukraine and Europe must be integral to any discussions aimed at ending Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. This declaration comes amid reports of a U.S.-Russian peace proposal that reportedly demands significant concessions from Ukraine, including territorial cessions. The proposal, first reported by Axios, has added pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is already grappling with a major corruption scandal and rallying international support for Ukraine’s defense. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stressed that any viable peace plan must have the backing of Ukrainians and Europeans, a sentiment echoed by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who asserted that negotiations must involve Ukraine and Europe. The alleged peace plan, drafted by U.S. and Russian envoys, reportedly includes provisions for Ukraine to relinquish control of the Donbas region and scale back certain military capabilities. However, such concessions would be deeply unpopular in Ukraine and unconstitutional. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted at ongoing efforts to develop a lasting peace agreement, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied active consultations with the U.S. European leaders have expressed skepticism about Russia’s sincerity in seeking peace, accusing Moscow of sustaining its war of attrition. Meanwhile, European nations have stepped up military aid to Ukraine, giving them leverage in peace talks. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski reiterated that Europe, as Ukraine’s primary supporter, expects to be consulted in any peace efforts.
As reports of a US-Russia peace plan circulate, Europeans say they and Ukraine must be involved
