Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to engage in critical discussions with international allies at the G20 summit in Johannesburg concerning a 28-page peace proposal for Ukraine put forward by US President Donald Trump.
Crunch Talks on Trump's Proposal
The Prime Minister, while not directly criticising the US president's plan, has indicated that it requires further work to be strengthened. This diplomatic push comes as President Trump has given Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky a strict deadline of 27 November - Thanksgiving in the United States - to formally respond to the extensive proposal.
Speaking ahead of the high-stakes meetings in South Africa, Mr Starmer committed to collaborating with other world leaders to "secure a just and lasting peace once and for all." He elaborated, stating, "We will discuss the current proposal on the table, and in support of President Trump’s push for peace, look at how we can strengthen this plan for the next phase of negotiations."
Details of the 28-Point Plan and Reactions
The leaked peace plan, which spans 28 points, outlines several contentious measures. It calls for an immediate ceasefire and stipulates that Ukraine must cede the entire regions of Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk to Russia. Furthermore, the status of the cities of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia would be frozen along the current conflict lines.
Other significant points within the document include:
- A reduction of the Ukrainian army from roughly 880,000 troops to 600,000.
- A prohibition on Ukraine joining NATO, though it would be permitted to seek membership in the European Union.
- The use of some frozen Russian assets to aid in rebuilding Ukraine.
- The lifting of sanctions on Russia and the establishment of long-term economic arrangements between Moscow and Washington.
- A mandate for elections to be held in Ukraine within 100 days.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for the proposal, stating it can "form the basis of [a] final peace settlement". He claimed that Ukraine had refused an earlier version, leading to this modernised 28-point text.
International Coordination and Ukraine's Stance
This development follows a hastily arranged call between Keir Starmer and the leaders of France, Germany, and Ukraine. A Downing Street spokeswoman confirmed the leaders "reiterated their unwavering commitment for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine" and "underlined their support for President Trump's drive for peace", while insisting any solution must fully involve Ukraine and preserve its sovereignty.
Meanwhile, President Zelensky reported a lengthy discussion with US Vice President JD Vance on achieving a lasting peace. On social media, Zelensky wrote that Ukraine "has always respected and continues to respect US President Donald Trump’s desire to put an end to the bloodshed" and views "every realistic proposal positively."
As the G20 talks commence, the international community watches closely, balancing the urgent desire for peace with the complex realities on the ground in Ukraine.
