Johannesburg, South Africa – Key European leaders, alongside Canada and Japan, have stated that the American plan to end the war in Ukraine, presented on the sidelines of the G20 summit, “forms a basis that will require further work.” The leaders issued a joint statement expressing both cautious optimism and significant reservations regarding the proposal.
The statement, signed by the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, Finland, Norway, the European Union, as well as the Prime Ministers of Canada and Japan, followed an emergency meeting convened during the G20 summit in Johannesburg. The meeting addressed the 28-point plan put forth by the United States aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
“We welcome the continued efforts by the United States to bring peace to Ukraine,” the statement read, acknowledging the importance of certain elements within the plan. However, it emphasized concerns about potential weaknesses. “We are clear on the principle that borders cannot be changed by force, and we are concerned about proposed limitations on the Ukrainian armed forces that would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attacks.”
The leaders stressed the need for careful consideration of the plan’s implications for European security. “The implementation of elements relating to the European Union and NATO will require the agreement of EU and NATO members,” the statement clarified. This highlights the importance of ensuring that any peace agreement aligns with the existing security architecture and commitments within Europe.
The joint statement concluded with a commitment to continued engagement in the peace process. “We stand ready to engage in order to ensure the sustainability of peace in the future,” the leaders affirmed, signaling their willingness to work towards a lasting resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. The path forward remains complex, but the international community appears united in its desire for a peaceful and secure future for Ukraine.
