Trump received the new revised peace plan, which includes territorial concessions that Ukraine is willing to consider to end the war / What's next
Donald Trump talking to Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: American Photo Archive / Alamy / Profimedia
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said further talks are planned with US officials this weekend and that a larger international meeting on Ukraine “could take place early next week”, Reuters and the Kyiv Post write.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Thursday that US President Donald Trump had received a new proposal outlining territorial concessions that Ukraine would be willing to consider to end the war.
Merz said the document was passed after he and other European leaders had a phone call with Trump on Wednesday.
“It mainly concerns the issue of territorial concessions that Ukraine is willing to make,” Merz told reporters, stressing that only “the Ukrainian president and the Ukrainian people” can decide on these matters.
Three documents discussed
In an online press conference earlier this week, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that three documents are being drafted as part of a larger peace package, the Kyiv Post writes.
It is a 20-point framework that continues to evolve, a separate security safeguards document developed with US and European partners, and a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Ukraine.
His comments come in the context of several peace proposals circulating in Washington and Europe. A 28-point plan drawn up by US officials with input from the Kremlin was leaked in late November.
In its original form, it would have required Ukraine to renounce NATO membership, limit the size of its military and cede territory that Russian forces have so far failed to capture on the battlefield.
The leaks sparked weeks of chaotic diplomacy. Ukraine and its European partners were quick to counter the proposal with an alternative less favorable to Moscow.
Their efforts resulted in a new 20-point plan being drawn up by Kiev, which is currently under discussion with the Trump administration.
“Hard Words”
Merz, speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, warned that Europe must not force Ukraine to accept a deal it cannot accept.
“It would be a mistake to push the Ukrainian president towards a peace that his people will not accept after four years of suffering and death,” he said.
On Wednesday, Trump expressed his frustration with Ukraine and European allies Germany, France and Britain, saying “tough words” were exchanged during the call with European leaders.
Merz said further talks are planned with US officials this weekend and that a larger international meeting on Ukraine “could take place early next week”.
Washington's participation, he said, depends on joint draft proposals being finalized.
He added that his discussion with Trump gave him “the strong impression that he is ready to walk this path with us, because he knows that Europeans and their interests must be listened to.” Merz described the exchange as constructive, saying both sides spoke clearly and with “mutual respect.”
The German chancellor outlined three priorities for ongoing diplomatic efforts: securing a truce, ensuring it is backed by “solid legal and material guarantees” and reaching an agreement that protects European security without undermining NATO or the European Union's unity.
