What's happened
Western officials, including EU and US representatives, have expressed skepticism about a US-led peace plan for Ukraine. They emphasize the need for Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and European integration, while highlighting major flaws in the proposed agreement. The plan's future remains uncertain.
What's behind the headline?
The international response to the US-led Ukraine peace plan reveals deep divisions among Western allies. While the US and Ukraine push for a swift resolution, European leaders like Germany and Norway highlight significant flaws, particularly regarding border changes and the inclusion of Ukraine in negotiations. This divergence underscores a broader strategic debate: should the West prioritize immediate peace or uphold principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity? The skepticism from Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store indicates that the plan may face substantial hurdles before any formal agreement. The emphasis on international law and European security suggests that the plan's success hinges on aligning US ambitions with European concerns, especially regarding border stability and Ukraine's future. If these issues are not addressed, the plan risks becoming a symbolic gesture rather than a practical solution, prolonging the conflict and deepening divisions within the alliance. The upcoming talks in Geneva and the EU's engagement will be critical in shaping the plan's trajectory, but the likelihood of a consensus remains uncertain. This situation foreshadows a protracted negotiation process, with the potential for increased diplomatic friction if core principles are compromised.
What the papers say
The Moscow Times reports that Western officials, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, are skeptical about the US-led peace plan, citing major flaws and the importance of international law. Reuters highlights that EU leaders are actively engaging in discussions, emphasizing Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, with European officials expressing concerns about changing borders by force. The article also notes that the US, Ukraine, and other allies are negotiating a 28-point roadmap, but Brussels has not been included, raising questions about European influence in the process. Contrasting opinions from different sources reveal a cautious European stance versus a more optimistic US approach, with European leaders demanding greater inclusion and adherence to legal principles to ensure lasting peace.
How we got here
Amid ongoing negotiations to end the Ukraine conflict, the US, Ukraine, and European nations are discussing a 28-point peace plan. While the US promotes a draft aimed at stopping the war, European leaders are cautious, stressing the importance of international law, Ukraine's sovereignty, and European security. The EU is actively engaging in talks, but some allies remain skeptical about the plan's viability.
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Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen is a German politician and the president of the European Commission since 1 December 2019. She served in the federal government of Germany from 2005 to 2019 as the longest-serving member of Angela Merkel's cabinet.
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Friedrich Merz is a German lawyer and politician. A member of the Christian Democratic Union, he served as a Member of the European Parliament from 1989 to 1994 and was elected to the Bundestag from 1994 until 2009, where he chaired the CDU/CSU parliament