The Western political scene appears to be dangerously creaking as Donald Trump’s 28-point plan for Ukraine triggers chain reactions, deep division and a climate of concern that now touches all centers of power. The American president promotes the need to end the war, but his proposal has transformed into a high-tension diplomatic battlefield that threatens to overturn decades-old balances. At the same time, Kyiv faces pressure, Europe reveals fears and in the US even senators from Trump’s own party are rebelling.
The Trump plan and dangerous cracks in the West
Donald Trump stated that his plan for Ukraine is not final, but the discussion around territorial concessions to the Russians is causing panic within the European Union. Volodymyr Zelensky appears determined not to be recorded as the leader who surrendered eastern territories, while time is running out and Washington intensifies its pressure, warning that terms will become more unfavorable if Ukraine doesn’t agree now.
The Kremlin leaves open the possibility of a Putin-Trump meeting, while Europe seeks ways to safeguard its interests. Macron, Merz and Starmer held an emergency consultation on the sidelines of G20, highlighting their concern about the provisions of the American framework that are considered a threat to the continent’s long-term security.
Congressional reactions and new cycle of fear over Trump’s plan
The political storm extends to Washington. Democratic, Republican and independent senators warn that peace cannot be achieved by “offering successive concessions to Putin“. They emphasize that the Russian president “understands only the language of force” and will not respect an agreement that is not based on pressure.
Republican Roger Wicker characterizes the plan as “particularly problematic” and emphasizes that Ukraine “must not be forced to cede territory to one of the world’s most blatant war criminals”. He also underlines that the structure of Ukrainian armed forces is exclusively a matter for the Ukrainian government.
Trump plan: What Europe fears and what leaders demand
In Johannesburg, the G20 adopted a joint communiqué on “just and lasting peace”, but European reactions to the 28-point plan are intense. European leaders note that borders must not be changed through violence, worry about restrictions on Ukrainian armed forces and warn that such terms would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attacks.
The signatories of the communiqué state that the document constitutes a foundation requiring additional work. At the same time, they emphasize that critical points of Trump’s plan directly concern the EU and NATO and therefore cannot be implemented without the consent of their members.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian delegation prepares to enter new consultations, emphasizing that it will never become an obstacle to peace, but will defend the legitimate interests of the Ukrainian people.
