Top European diplomats stressed on Thursday that both Ukraine and Europe must be part of any effort to end Russia’s invasion, as reports spread about a possible U.S.-Russia peace proposal emerging at a time when corruption allegations have unsettled Kyiv’s leadership.
Rumors of a behind-the-scenes peace plan have intensified pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He is already balancing several major challenges: defending Ukraine against Russia’s larger military, meeting European leaders to secure continued support, and addressing a major corruption scandal in the country’s energy sector that has angered the public.
EU Officials Assert Ukraine Cannot Be Excluded
“For any plan to work, Ukrainians and Europeans need to be on board,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas ahead of a meeting of the 27 EU foreign ministers in Brussels.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul backed the stance, saying that “all negotiations about a ceasefire or Ukraine’s peaceful future must be discussed with Ukraine — and Europe must be included.”
It remains unclear whether EU ministers have reviewed the alleged peace plan, reportedly drafted by U.S. and Russian envoys. The proposal is said to include forcing Ukraine to give up territory — a condition Zelenskyy has firmly rejected.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X that American officials “are and will continue to develop a list of potential ideas” for a durable peace agreement, noting that achieving it “will require both sides to agree to difficult but necessary concessions.”
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there are “no consultations currently underway” with the United States about ending the war, though he acknowledged ongoing “contacts.”
European Leaders Question the Plan’s Legitimacy
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said he did not know whether the proposal had the approval of U.S. President Donald Trump or Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We first need to determine if this plan really comes from the key players,” he said. “There are many rumors, and we have to understand what is true.”
European leaders have already been alarmed by signs that the Trump administration may be sidelining both Europe and Zelenskyy in its push to halt the conflict.
EU diplomats have accused Putin of claiming to want peace while refusing to compromise and continuing Russia’s grinding war of attrition.
Kallas condemned Russia for repeatedly targeting Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, referencing a strike on Ternopil that killed 26 people and injured 93. Roughly two dozen individuals are still missing.
“If Russia really wanted peace, it could have agreed to an unconditional ceasefire long ago,” she said.
Europe Steps Up as US Aid Declines
Since Trump halted direct U.S. military aid to Ukraine, European nations have compensated by purchasing American weapons for Kyiv, giving Europe additional leverage in shaping future peace talks.
“We welcome peace efforts, but Europe is Ukraine’s main supporter — and Europe’s security is at stake,” said Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. “We expect to be consulted.”