Trump administration’s Ukraine peace plan alarms allies over territorial concessions

Trump’s Ukraine peace plan alarms allies, seen as rewarding Russia.

Several close allies of the United States are expressing growing alarm over the Trump administration’s proposed framework to end the war in Ukraine, fearing it could legitimise Russian territorial gains and undermine international norms, according to diplomatic sources who spoke to CNN.

The plan, presented by US officials in Paris last week, reportedly involves a de facto American recognition of Crimea as Russian territory and Ukrainian concessions over large areas occupied by Moscow. One official familiar with the talks said the framework would “freeze the territorial lines at some level close to where they are today,” echoing comments made by Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday that Russia’s restraint in not attempting to capture all of Ukraine amounted to a meaningful offer: “Stopping the war,” he said, “not taking the whole country, pretty big concession.”

Diplomats from both Europe and Asia told CNN they are deeply concerned by the implications. “This is about the fundamental principles of international law… the weakening of any safeguards that my or other countries have for our own independence,” an Eastern European diplomat warned. They stressed that if Ukraine is pressured into surrendering its own recognised territory, “no country in Europe or elsewhere can feel safe, NATO or no NATO.”

According to the CNN report, Asian allies have also raised concerns in private. One diplomat said, “China is watching. We have told the Trump administration that. We are worried about the message they might take away from any end to the war that appears to award Russia for the bloodshed.”

Meanwhile, European capitals are bracing for the outcome of another round of talks between special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for Friday. Talks earlier this week in London reportedly saw some progress, including signs that Ukraine may be prepared to discuss territorial matters, albeit within clear red lines.

“We got [the Ukrainians] to a point where there will be conversations about territory,” one European official told CNN, noting that Ukraine is gradually shifting to a more US-friendly stance. US envoy Keith Kellogg described the talks as “candid, positive and productive.”

However, even within this cautious optimism, officials are warning against moving too fast. “Any deal that can get Russia on board will look unfavourable to the Ukrainians,” said another European diplomat. “But… they will have to come to terms with something that may be second best to a deal they would have wanted two years ago.”

President Trump has continued to express mixed messages. Following a deadly Russian missile attack on Kyiv, which killed 12 and injured 90, he posted on Truth Social: “Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!” Hours later, however, he noted both sides “want peace.”

Despite the push for resolution, European officials remain sceptical of the Trump administration’s strategic approach. “The diplomacy has been very ad hoc,” a US official admitted. “The confusion over who does what on the file is as pronounced as ever.”

The US has reportedly sidelined its own Secretary of State, sending lower-ranking officials to meetings. And while talks continue, concerns grow that Washington is racing towards a settlement with no clear plan for implementation or lasting peace.