Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their “full and unwavering support” for Ukraine and aligned with President Volodymyr Zelensky in rejecting key elements of a proposed US-Russia peace framework that would force sweeping concessions from Kyiv, following a high-level phone call on Friday.
Line of contact set as baseline, allies insist on approval rights
According to a German government press release, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer assured Zelensky that Ukraine’s armed forces must remain capable of defending the country’s sovereignty and that the current line of contact should serve as the starting point for any understanding, underscoring that any settlement must lead to a “lasting and just peace.”Crucially, they agreed that any peace deal affecting European states, the European Union or NATO would require the approval of European partners or a consensus among allied nations.
Reuters reported that the leaders also welcomed US efforts to bring the war to an end – particularly Washington’s stated commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and the provision of solid security guarantees – while stressing that European and Ukrainian interests must remain central to any agreement.
Coordinated response to 28-point US-Russia proposal
According to Bloomberg, the call was convened by Merz to formulate a joint European response to a 28-point peace plan recently presented by the US to Zelensky – a proposal that would include recognizing Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk as de facto Russian territory, potentially even by Washington itself.
The plan would also reportedly require Ukraine to hold elections within 100 days and abandon its ambitions of joining NATO.
Europe insists on seat at the table
“We consider elements of this plan to be effective,” German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said. “We want to participate constructively in guiding this into a dynamic that will bring us closer to our goal of a lasting peace in Ukraine.”
The leaders emphasized that Europe will not accept being sidelined in negotiations reshaping the continent’s security architecture. They agreed to pursue close coordination with other European partners and Washington, while safeguarding what Berlin described as “vital European and Ukrainian interests” over the long term.
Broader diplomatic backdrop
Bloomberg noted that Europe’s response is increasingly pivotal as Washington and Moscow pursue parallel efforts to redefine the peace process. The EU is still struggling to agree on mechanisms that would unlock approximately €140 billion ($160 billion) to sustain Ukraine’s war effort, as US financial support shows signs of slowing.
European leaders are expected to meet on the sidelines of the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa to coordinate next steps, with Finnish President Alexander Stubb also likely to participate in discussions.
The call underscored Europe’s determination to shape the contours of any future settlement, signaling that Ukraine’s sovereignty, military capability and the security order of Europe itself remain non-negotiable.