European pressure is intensifying as the United States pushes forward with a controversial 28-point peace proposal that could redefine the future of the Ukraine–Russia war. On Friday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced cautious support for Washington’s diplomatic efforts—yet both leaders underscored that Europe must play a decisive role in shaping any final agreement.
The U.S. framework, presented as a fast-track solution to end the war, calls for sweeping concessions from Ukraine: recognizing Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk as Russian territory; limiting its military to 600,000 troops; renouncing NATO membership; and embedding permanent neutrality into its constitution. In return, Ukraine would receive what Washington describes as “robust security guarantees,” modeled after NATO protections—though many specifics remain opaque.
Meloni’s office acknowledged that the security guarantees were “welcomed,” but stressed that several components of the proposal “require deeper examination.” German Chancellor Merz echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that European security cannot be rewritten without Europe's direct involvement.
The pressure intensified after President Donald Trump announced a Thanksgiving deadline for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to respond to the plan. Though Trump later suggested the deadline could shift depending on progress, he declared, “Thursday is it — we think an appropriate time.”
Zelenskyy has not rejected the proposal, stating that Ukrainian and U.S. teams will continue working on its details. However, he insisted that any peace agreement must be “real and dignified,” signaling Kyiv’s unease with the territorial and constitutional demands.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that “no plan can succeed unless Ukrainians and Europeans are fully on board,” a view echoed by multiple European foreign ministers who urged against a settlement negotiated solely between Washington and Moscow.
As the G20 summit begins in Johannesburg without U.S. representation, Meloni aims to use the global platform to ensure Europe remains structurally embedded in any emerging peace framework. Russian President Vladimir Putin will also be absent due to an active ICC arrest warrant, adding another layer of geopolitical complexity.
With Washington pushing for rapid decisions, Kyiv weighing its sovereignty, and Europe demanding a central seat at the table, the coming days could determine not just the future of the war—but the future architecture of European security itself.
