European leaders are urgently formulating a response to a new US-proposed plan to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine, amid concerns over its aggressive timeline and potential concessions.
Details of the US Proposal
The initiative, led by US President Donald Trump and his administration, is reportedly being pushed forward on an aggressive timeline. However, several points within the draft agreement appear to clash with Ukraine's longstanding red lines and the strategic interests of both the European Union and its member states within NATO.
The development comes on Friday, 21 November 2025, creating a flurry of diplomatic activity across European capitals.
European Reaction and Stance
In the last few minutes, the EU's Foreign Policy Chief, Kaja Kallas, has reiterated a core European position. Speaking at the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, she stated unequivocally that for any peace initiative to succeed, it must be developed with Ukraine and with the Europeans on board.
We are four years into Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, with no real signs that Moscow wants peace, Kallas said. If Russia really wanted peace, it would have accepted the unconditional ceasefire that has been on the table since March this year.
Despite these reservations, she confirmed that the EU remains supportive of any plan that brings about a just and lasting peace. This leaves European officials grappling with a critical question: does acquiescing to most of Russia's demands under this US plan genuinely pave the way for such a peace, or does it reward aggression?
The Central Dilemma for Europe
The key issue now confronting European governments is whether the proposed deal, which seems to require painful concessions from Ukraine, aligns with the principle of a just and lasting peace. Many are questioning if the plan effectively meets Russia's demands at the expense of Ukrainian sovereignty and European security.
As reactions continue to pour in, the coming days will be crucial in determining the unity and direction of the Western response to this significant diplomatic move from Washington.
