Asger Risom
Berlin warns against proposals seen as conceding Ukrainian territory to Russia
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest peace proposal for Ukraine, warning that it closely resembles a “capitulation” rather than a genuine settlement.
Speaking Sunday to public broadcaster ARD, Pistorius argued that Ukraine should not accept territorial concessions in exchange for an armistice with Russia.
“Ukraine may understand that compromises could be necessary for a durable truce,” Pistorius said, “but certainly not to the extent proposed by the U.S. president.” He added that Kyiv “could have achieved this deal a year ago” and sees “no added value” in Trump’s plan, according to HotNews.ro.
Inside Trump’s Controversial Proposal
Reports from Axios and Reuters indicate that Trump’s peace framework includes U.S. recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and tacit acceptance of Russian control over additional occupied territories in Ukraine.
Sources suggest Kyiv and its European allies remain highly skeptical and reluctant to engage under these terms.
The White House, meanwhile, has warned it may withdraw from mediation efforts if a settlement is not reached soon. Trump reiterated his frustrations after a 15-minute meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Vatican City on Saturday, hinting that Russian President Vladimir Putin might not be negotiating in good faith.
Mixed Signals Amid Fragile Talks
Trump’s messaging contrasted sharply with French President Emmanuel Macron, who met with Zelensky the same day and later announced that Ukraine was prepared for an unconditional ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin revealed that Putin had expressed openness to peace talks “without preconditions” during a meeting with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.
With conflicting signals from all sides, and growing tensions between Western allies over strategy, the path to a credible and sustainable peace agreement remains highly uncertain.