View: European unity key as Ukraine prepares revised peace plan

Ukraine is set to present a revised 20-point peace plan to the United States today, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European leaders work to steer Washington’s ceasefire framework away from concessions they fear could lock in Russian territorial gains.

Following the London meeting on Monday with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Kyiv sought to present a unified European front before the next stage of discussions with U.S. negotiators. Zelenskyy confirmed that the updated plan contains 20 points and stressed that Ukraine will not concede any of its land.

Reuters

Commenting to AnewZ, Andriy Ordynovych, retired colonel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, said that “the European leaders reaffirmed support for Kyiv, yet their views on peace terms do appear to diverge. Are we seeing the start of a fractured European position on how the war should end? I believe they do have a common vision.”

He added that European countries are trying to balance their approach with the United States, noting that “it is most critical to reach a common understanding and focus on the essential points.”

Kyiv’s strategy also emphasises economic and military strength. Ordynovych told AnewZ that, “First and foremost, support Ukraine economically and financially, helping the country recover its economy because this provides moral and physical strength to our military. Second, a strong Ukrainian military serves as a strategic deterrence to Russia. And third, partnership—without strong international partnerships, no single country in Europe could resist the aggression of Russia against Ukraine.”

After London, Zelenskyy flew to Brussels to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, where he described discussions as “good and productive.” European capitals are also reviewing proposals to channel frozen Russian assets toward supporting Kyiv, further increasing pressure on Moscow.

The diplomatic push comes amid intensifying Russian military action in eastern Ukraine and attacks on critical infrastructure, leading to prolonged blackouts across Ukrainian cities. 

As Kyiv prepares to present its revised plan, the next rounds of diplomacy will test whether a ceasefire can meet Ukraine’s core red lines while aligning with both European and U.S. expectations for a durable settlement.

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