European Leaders Rally Behind Zelensky After Trump’s Exclusionary Peace Plan

Trump’s 28‑point proposal imposes sweeping concessions on Ukraine

Across the continent, heads of state and senior officials have publicly reaffirmed their backing of President Volodymyr Zelensky in the wake of a new peace initiative unveiled by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The draft, comprising 28 separate points, was presented as a “path to lasting peace” but has been widely condemned for sidelining both European partners and Ukrainian interests.

The core demands of the plan would force Kyiv to relinquish contested territories, drastically reduce the size of its armed forces, and surrender a range of advanced weaponry. Sources close to the negotiations say the proposal also calls for a freeze on NATO support and a reshaping of the security architecture in the region—measures that many European leaders view as untenable.

European Union officials and NATO allies responded with a unified message of solidarity with Ukraine, emphasizing that any legitimate settlement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “The future of Europe cannot be negotiated at the expense of a sovereign nation’s right to defend itself,” one senior EU diplomat remarked.

In contrast, Trump’s team argues that the plan seeks a “balanced” approach that would end the war without further escalation. Critics, however, point out that the concessions demanded of Kyiv are far more severe than those offered to Russia, effectively excluding Europe from any meaningful role in the peace process.

As diplomatic pressure mounts, Zelensky’s administration has reiterated its commitment to a negotiated solution that does not compromise Ukraine’s independence. “We will not trade our land, our freedom, or our people for a hollow peace,” the Ukrainian president stated in a recent address.