European leaders have expressed concerns regarding the U.S.-led Ukraine peace plan, with several key allies signaling their dissatisfaction with the American approach. Paris, Berlin, and Helsinki have made it clear they do not intend to be sidelined during the ongoing discussions in Geneva. A senior European diplomat reiterated that Europe cannot accept any agreement formulated without the direct involvement of its nations, stating that “no negotiations about Ukraine without Ukrainians and no negotiations about Europe’s security without Europeans.” The diplomat emphasized that the proposed plan must be a collaborative effort, as the current American-led initiative lacks the necessary European consultation and engagement.
These concerns were amplified by the recent statements from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who warned at the G20 summit in South Africa that Europe must not be excluded from any eventual peace settlement. “Wars cannot be ended by major powers over the heads of the countries affected,” he stated, highlighting the importance of inclusive negotiations. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed these sentiments, criticizing the U.S. plan for being “not negotiated with the Europeans” and raising concerns about the implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty. He pointed out that the proposal includes “limitations on the size of the Ukrainian army,” which he equated to “limitations on its own sovereignty.” This, he argued, undermines the country’s autonomy and represents a fundamental issue that must be addressed before any progress can be made.
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb echoed the stance of other European leaders by asserting that NATO would take responsibility for affairs within its jurisdiction. On social media, Stubb wrote that “it is clear that Europe and NATO decide on matters concerning them,” reinforcing the alliance’s role in shaping the terms of the peace process. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, meanwhile, acknowledged the U.S. proposal as containing “constructive elements,” but also noted that “some elements had to be changed.” Rutte praised the efforts of the Trump administration, stating that “President Trump’s team is working extremely hard to get this war solved,” with the ultimate goal of achieving “a durable and lasting peace in Ukraine, a sovereign nation.” However, he emphasized that the plan still requires significant modifications to address European concerns.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also voiced his position, reiterating Kyiv’s red lines in an address to Sweden’s parliament. He rejected the notion of territorial concessions, stating that “the aggressor must pay fully for the war he started.” Zelenskyy criticized Russia’s attempt to gain legal recognition for its territorial gains and emphasized that such actions are unacceptable. At the same time, Moscow has dismissed the European proposals as “not constructive,” according to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, as reported by Reuters. This mutual distrust underscores the complexity of the situation, with all parties seeking a resolution that aligns with their respective interests. The ongoing negotiations in Geneva represent a critical moment in the peace process, as European leaders, the United States, and Ukraine continue to navigate the delicate balance between diplomacy and sovereignty.