G20 Leaders Call U.S. 28‑Point Ukraine Peace Proposal a ‘Starting Point’ as Kyiv Voices Alarm

Western and European leaders meeting on the sidelines of the G20 in Johannesburg described the United States' 28‑point peace proposal for Ukraine as a starting point that "requires additional work." In a joint statement, leaders from the EU, Germany, France, Britain, Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland, Italy, Japan and Norway welcomed elements of the draft but urged further negotiation and refinement.

The version of the draft shared this week with Kyiv and Moscow — a copy of which was published by a Ukrainian opposition politician and subsequently commented on by a White House official — includes provisions that would require Ukraine to cede control of parts of the Donbas region and Crimea and to renounce future NATO membership. Observers say the text contains many long‑standing Russian demands while offering limited security guarantees to Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other officials expressed alarm, warning that the draft could force Kyiv to choose between defending its sovereign rights and maintaining crucial international support. "Wars cannot be ended by major powers over the heads of the countries affected," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, stressing that any agreement must include robust, credible guarantees for Ukraine.

International reactions and next steps

Western leaders reiterated the principle that borders should not be changed by force and voiced concern about proposed limits on Ukraine's armed forces that could leave the country vulnerable to future aggression. Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged receipt of the draft via U.S. channels and said the text "could form the basis for a final peace settlement," while also noting there had been no substantive bilateral discussion on the proposal.

"The initial draft of the 28‑point plan includes important elements that will be essential for a just and lasting peace... We believe, therefore, that the draft is a basis which will require additional work," the joint statement said.

Ukrainian envoys are scheduled to meet with a U.S. delegation in Switzerland to discuss the proposal. Kyiv has named negotiators empowered to engage directly with Russia, and Ukrainian representatives have said they approach talks with a clear understanding of their country's interests. European partners cautioned against rushing to finalize any deal and emphasized the need for meaningful security guarantees and respect for international law.

Leaders' public comments

In public remarks, former U.S. President Donald Trump urged a prompt decision from President Zelenskyy while also saying the plan was not necessarily his final offer. Zelenskyy, marking Holodomor Memorial Day, underscored Ukraine's resolve, recalling historical suffering and reiterating that Ukraine will defend its independence and territorial integrity.

As talks move to Geneva, the diplomatic focus will be on whether negotiators can bridge gaps: ensuring Ukraine's security and sovereignty while creating a durable framework for ending the conflict. Much work remains before the draft — in its current reported form — could win broad support in Kyiv or among Western partners.