European Leaders Demand Inclusion in US-Russia Ukraine Peace Talks

European diplomats have voiced strong objections to a reported U.S.-Russia peace plan for Ukraine that suggests substantial concessions from Kyiv without consulting European nations. The proposal, developed by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian advisor Kirill Dmitriev, reportedly includes Ukraine ceding control of the entire eastern Donbas region and reducing its military capabilities.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the necessity of involving both Ukraine and European countries in any peace agreement. "For any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board," she stated. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot echoed this sentiment, asserting that "peace cannot mean capitulation."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has received the U.S.-drafted plan but reiterated that ceding land to Russia is unacceptable and unconstitutional.

The Kremlin, through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, downplayed reports of new peace efforts, stating that no substantive consultations are currently underway with the U.S.

European leaders continue to stress that any resolution to the conflict must respect Ukraine's sovereignty and involve comprehensive consultation with all affected parties.