A growing backlash has emerged over the US plan to end Ukraine war, as Kyiv’s allies warn that the proposal, while well‑intentioned, needs significant revisions before it can be viable. At the G20 summit, European leaders expressed concern over key parts of the draft, especially limitations on Ukraine’s military and potential territorial concessions.
Reportedly consisting of 28 points, the US proposal calls for Ukraine to make difficult sacrifices. Among the most contentious elements: surrendering parts of its territory to Russia, drastically reducing its armed forces, and abandoning any future NATO membership.
The plan also suggests that Russia could be readmitted into global forums, and that Ukraine would accept new constraints on its sovereign decision‑making.
During an emergency meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit, a coalition of European and G7 leaders issued a joint statement. They praised some of the “important elements” of the plan, but made clear that more work is needed before it can form the basis of a just peace.
One major red flag for them: the proposal’s limitations on Ukraine’s military capacity. Europeans argue these could leave Kyiv dangerously exposed to future aggression.
Another sticking point is the plan’s references to NATO and the European Union , the allies insist on formal consent from their organizations before any part of the deal can take effect.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul was particularly blunt, labeling the draft “not a real plan, but simply a list of topics” rather than a concrete roadmap.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled willingness to engage in talks, describing parts of the plan as “fundamental principles” his government must defend. But he has been equally forceful in pushing back against provisions that would compromise Ukraine’s long-term security and sovereignty.
Zelensky has framed the decision as a stark choice: either risk losing international backing or accept terms that many see as capitulation.
Limiting Ukraine’s military to pre-war or reduced levels could put the country at a disadvantage, especially given Russia’s continued military ambitions.
If Ukraine agrees to give up its NATO dreams, it changes the entire security architecture in Europe. That’s why many allies insist on NATO and EU buy-in.
Some European leaders fear that if Ukraine makes grave concessions now, it may encourage future territorial aggression elsewhere.
Leaders at the G20 have committed to continuing coordination with Ukraine and Washington. Meanwhile, Kyiv is expected to enter intensive negotiations, balancing the pressure to secure peace with its demands for security guarantees.
There are also signs that European states are drawing up counter-proposals to reshape the deal in ways that protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and future.
The US plan to end Ukraine war is ambitious, but as Kyiv’s allies make clear, it is not yet ready. With real concerns over military limits and territorial integrity, European leaders are calling for greater involvement and revision. For Ukraine, the challenge is deeply personal: negotiate a peace that safeguards its future, or risk giving up too much just to stop the fighting.
