Ukraine's Allies Unite Against US Peace Plan, Demand Robust Guarantees

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In a show of solidarity, Ukraine's Western allies have pushed back against a US peace plan that they believe favors Moscow. The plan, which aims to end the nearly four-year war, has sparked alarm in Kyiv and European capitals. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed to defend his country's sovereignty, while also acknowledging the need for American support. A delegation led by Zelenskyy will meet with US officials in Switzerland on Sunday to discuss the proposal. The 28-point blueprint, drawn up by the US, foresees Ukraine handing over territory to Russia, reducing its army, and blocking its path to NATO membership. However, European leaders have expressed concerns that this would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attacks. In a joint statement, the leaders of the European Union, Canada, and Japan welcomed US peace efforts but pushed back against key tenets of the plan. They emphasized that borders must not be changed by force and that any decisions regarding NATO and the EU require the consent of member states. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have also expressed reservations about the US plan, calling for broader consultation and robust guarantees for Ukraine. They emphasized that any peace deal must be sustainable and respect Ukraine's sovereignty. The meeting between Ukrainian and US officials in Geneva on Sunday will be attended by envoys from Germany, France, the UK, and the EU. Zelenskyy has confirmed the meeting, which comes after Trump set a deadline for Kyiv to respond to the plan by next Thursday. European leaders have long warned against rushing a peace deal, seeing their own future at stake in Ukraine's fight against Russia. They have accused Moscow of stalling diplomatic efforts and reiterated their reservations about the Kremlin's readiness to end the war. "An end to the war can only be achieved with the unconditional consent of Ukraine," Merz said, adding that Europe needed to be a part of any peace process. Zelenskyy has also emphasized that Ukrainian representatives at the Geneva talks will protect national interests and prevent Russia from carrying out another invasion. The war in Ukraine has already claimed millions of lives, including during the 'great famine' imposed by Soviet leader Josef Stalin in the early 1930s. Zelenskyy has vowed to defend Ukraine, saying that only in their homeland will they find peace and security.