WEB DESK: U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan requires significant adjustments to gain acceptance from Ukraine and European nations, French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Tuesday.
The 28-point proposal, unveiled last week, surprised many within the U.S. government, as well as officials in Kyiv and across Europe. It also raised concerns that the Trump administration might be pressuring Ukraine to commit to an agreement heavily skewed in Russia’s favor.
Macron acknowledged the proposal as a step toward peace but emphasized the need for revisions. “It is a move in the right direction, but elements of the plan require discussion, negotiation, and improvement to ensure fairness,” he commented. “We aim for peace, yet it must not equate to capitulation.” He stressed that only Ukraine could determine what territorial compromises it is prepared to consider.
Macron further elaborated that the proposal seemed more aligned with what would satisfy Russia than the interests of Ukrainians or Europeans, saying, “The plan gives us insights into Russia’s acceptable terms, but that does not mean it should define what Ukrainians and Europeans must accept. The answer is clearly no.”
He also pointed out that rebuilding Ukraine’s military strength would be its primary line of defense following any peace agreement with Russia, insisting that no restrictions should be imposed on Ukraine’s army. Additionally, Macron mentioned that decisions regarding frozen Russian assets held in Europe remain solely under European jurisdiction.
The U.S. plan reportedly includes limits on Ukraine’s military capabilities and grants Washington some control over frozen Russian assets, a proposition that has drawn criticism.
He concluded by underlining widespread commitment among international allies, adding, “Around 20 countries have expressed a willingness to take an active role on different fronts—land, air, or sea.”
