Trump’s “peace plan”: Why the allies must hold the line now?

Trump’s “peace plan”: Why the allies must hold the line now?

Olha Konsevych

Much now hinges on the United States. President Zelenskyy put it plainly: “Russia started this war — Russia must end this war, and we are securing the conditions for that through dialogue with our partners.”

According to Bloomberg, key figures in the Trump administration, including President of the United States himself, to learn of a sweeping “peace plan” for Ukraine at the last minute and approve it without prior consultation. The initiative was unveiled to Kyiv as a near-finished deal, bypassing both Ukraine’s participation and the involvement of European allies, triggering alarm across the trans-Atlantic alliance.

In Kyiv, the reaction was sharp and unified. Civil society and experts stressed that the situation is exceptionally serious.

European reaction

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk delivered one of the clearest European responses to the U.S.–Russia “peace plan”. According to European political reporting, Tusk warned that Europe “cannot allow Russia to dictate the terms of peace through bilateral deals with Washington.” He stressed that any arrangement crafted without Ukraine’s participation would be illegitimate and dangerous, adding that the EU must be ready to defend both Ukraine’s interests and its own security architecture. Tusk’s message underscored a growing European anxiety: a rushed agreement negotiated behind closed doors risks cementing Russia’s gains and destabilizing Eastern Europe for years.

French President Emmanuel Macron also outlined France’s and the EU’s priorities, emphasizing that Europe would protect its “fundamental principles” in any peace process. As reported by European media, Macron stated that the EU will defend Ukraine’s sovereignty, reject imposed territorial concessions, and insist that no settlement can undermine the framework of European security. He reiterates that Europe will not support a plan that freezes the conflict on Russia’s terms.

Meanwhile, Brussels moved quickly to articulate concrete counter-proposals. According to WP, EU officials drafted a framework that directly challenges the U.S.–Russia version.

The European “plan” stipulates that no territorial negotiations can begin until all hostilities stop – including aerial attacks – and they must be based strictly on the existing frontline realities. The EU rejects any recognition of occupied territories as Russian and proposes that Ukrainian reconstruction be funded through frozen Russian assets.

It also clarifies that residents in temporarily occupied territories will receive only standard civil protections under EU norms, without granting Moscow influence disguised as minority rights. The document frames Europe not as an observer, but as a co-author of a sustainable peace.

Zelensky’s public address after Geneve negotiations was also a direct message to Kyiv’s partners in Washington and across Europe. “Every political decision must bring benefits to our people… and that is why we are working very carefully with every partner,” he said, thanking the United States and European leaders “who understand how decisive this moment may be.” In diplomatic terms, it was a reminder that Ukraine expects its allies to stand by principles, not expediency.

A model of sustainable peace

For Ukraine, the priority is to secure meaningful security guarantees and achieve a ceasefire as a first step, after which substantive negotiations can begin.

The diplomatic process now underway is complex. Ukrainian negotiators, together with European partners, are working closely with the United States to shape a collective plan capable of delivering a sustainable and just peace. But any such plan must begin with an essential truth: Ukraine is the victim of a war it did not start. Russia launched a full-scale invasion in violation of international law, and any settlement must reflect that fundamental reality.

For Ukraine and Europe, the greatest danger lies not only in the battlefield, but also in the negotiations room – in the risk of repeating the mistakes of the past. Security guarantees must be real, binding, enforceable, and backed by the full weight of the international community. Anything less would merely postpone the next war.

At the heart of the European position is a simple principle: the war must not be allowed to repeat itself. That means the aggressor – the Russian Federation – must bear full responsibility under international law. This includes accountability for war crimes, reparations, and the use of frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine. Peace cannot be built on moral amnesia or geopolitical shortcuts; it must be grounded in justice.

Trump’s electorate isn’t pro-Putin

According to polling by the Vandenberg Coalition, Republican voters – including Trump supporters – hold clear pro-Ukraine views:

•Only 16% of Trump supporters believe Ukraine should give up territory to end the war.

•A majority blame Vladimir Putin for the lack of a ceasefire.

•80% of pro-Trump Republicans support continued U.S. assistance to Ukraine.

•76% back stronger sanctions against Russia.

Political analyst Oleh Saakian, commented on these findings: “For Trump, this is a signal that his electorate wants a strong foreign policy. If he fails to project that strength, he risks losing his own base.‘ Abandoning Ukraine’ is not an option – it is the shortest path to the scenario Speaker Johnson warned about: if Democrats regain the House in 2026, impeachment could begin on day one.”

Olha Konsevych: Journalist, researcher | Vital Voices | GMF | WZB Berlin | Max Planck Society alumna || Mahabahu Correspondent

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