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G20 Debates Controversial 28-Point Ukraine Peace Plan as U.S. Boycotts Johannesburg Summit

The G20 summit in Johannesburg opened Nov. 22 amid a U.S. boycott and debate over a controversial 28-point peace plan for the Russia-Ukraine war. The draft would require Ukraine to cede territory in parts of the Donbas, limit its military and bar NATO membership — provisions Kyiv has rejected. European leaders said the plan contains elements that could help reach peace but needs substantial revision, stressing that "borders must not be changed by force." South African President Cyril Ramaphosa opened the summit while leaders called for renewed focus on inclusive, sustainable development.

06:12 AM, 11/23/2025Conflict
G20 Debates Controversial 28-Point Ukraine Peace Plan as U.S. Boycotts Johannesburg Summit

The G20 summit hosted in Johannesburg opened Nov. 22 as delegates grappled with a contentious 28-point peace proposal aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. The two-day meeting is taking place amid a U.S. boycott of the summit, reportedly linked to recent diplomatic tensions with South Africa.

The draft plan would require Kyiv to accept territorial concessions in parts of eastern Ukraine and to limit the size of its armed forces. It would also bar Ukraine from joining NATO — terms that Ukrainian leaders have previously rejected and which many observers say would amount to a major reassessment of post‑war security arrangements in Europe.

President Donald Trump reportedly presented the outline to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this week and asked for a decision by next week. Mr. Trump also said the proposal is not a final offer and may be subject to further changes.

Responses from European leaders

European heads of state and government held a side meeting at the summit to review the proposal. In a joint statement they acknowledged that the plan "includes important elements that will be essential for a just and lasting peace," but said it remains only a starting point that requires additional work.

"Borders must not be changed by force," the statement added, underscoring a core principle for many nations considering the proposal.

Representatives from Britain, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the European Union signed the joint declaration backing revisions rather than immediate endorsement.

Summit opening and wider themes

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa opened the summit and framed the gathering as an opportunity for global economic cooperation and development. With Africa hosting the G20 for the first time, leaders emphasized sustainable and inclusive growth as a central theme for discussions.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the decision to hold the summit in Africa and urged the G20 to prioritize development models that foster both inclusion and long-term sustainability.

As debates continue, delegates face a difficult balancing act: crafting a formula that could end large-scale hostilities while respecting Ukraine's sovereignty and the security concerns of European partners.

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