European leaders will seek amendments to the United States’ proposed plan to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, aiming to ensure it better reflects Kyiv’s interests, Lithuania’s president Gitanas Nausėda said on Sunday.
“We are discussing this right now. On Friday, on Saturday, tomorrow and the day after, we are speaking in various formats about where Europe’s voice must be heard,” Nausėda told reporters in Vilnius.
“In the coming days, we shall try to adjust those parts of the plan that contradict the fundamental principles of state sovereignty,” he said. “This concerns territory and, of course, the future of Ukraine’s armed forces.”
The president noted that the plan does contain certain constructive elements.
“One of the few positive aspects is that Ukraine’s path towards membership of the European Union has been preserved. That is very important, but clearly not sufficient,” he said.
The US proposal would require Ukraine to cede territory, reduce the size of its army and commit never to join NATO.
Kyiv has rejected the terms, arguing that they largely mirror Moscow’s hardline demands. President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he understands that refusing the deal risks straining relations with Washington, but insists he cannot betray Ukraine.
The plan has drawn criticism from many European leaders, who were neither consulted nor briefed before details appeared in the media.
Asked why Europe had once again been left on the sidelines, Nausėda replied: “Europe has as much power and negotiating weight as it takes.”
“That is why I have always said Europe must play a much more active role, and in this case Ukraine itself probably lacked the time or opportunity to familiarise itself with the plan,” he added.
Despite widespread criticism, Nausėda stressed the indispensable role of the United States in any settlement.
“No one but the United States can secure peace in Ukraine through its own efforts – but only in concert with its allies. That is why I say that this plan, which includes a European component and even names certain countries, such as Poland, cannot be discussed without Ukraine and cannot be discussed without Europe,” the president said.
“That is precisely what Europe should be striving for in the coming days,” he added.
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