Allies of Ukraine signaled on Friday that Kyiv’s proposed peace framework requires further refinement, even as former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested he would be open to adjustments if elected, adding uncertainty to the diplomatic landscape surrounding the ongoing conflict. The comments came as Western governments reviewed recent proposals aimed at shaping a long-term settlement to end Russia’s full-scale invasion.

European officials, speaking after a series of consultations in Brussels, said parts of the Ukrainian plan—including security guarantees and territorial provisions—need “practical detailing” before they can be presented as a unified Western position. While reaffirming their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, several diplomats noted that the proposal must be aligned with political realities and defense commitments from key NATO members.

Germany and France, in particular, stressed the need for a “credible timeline” for implementing any peace terms. Berlin warned that “premature declarations” could weaken Ukraine’s standing in future negotiations, while Paris emphasized that “clarity on enforcement mechanisms” is essential to prevent Russia from exploiting loopholes.

Ukraine, however, maintains that its 10-point peace formula—calling for full territorial restoration, accountability for war crimes, and long-term security assurances—remains the only basis for a sustainable settlement. President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated this stance during a press briefing, arguing that diluting core principles would embolden Moscow and undermine international law.

The debate over peace terms gained new momentum after Trump, the Republican frontrunner, stated in a televised interview that he would consider modifying aspects of the plan to “accelerate an end to the fighting.” Although he offered no specifics, Trump said he believed “both sides could live with certain adjustments,” prompting speculation about how U.S. policy might shift under his leadership.

Officials in Washington responded cautiously, with the current administration reaffirming that any changes to Ukraine’s peace approach must be determined by Kyiv, not external actors. A State Department spokesperson said the United States will continue backing Ukraine’s framework while encouraging broader diplomatic consultation among allies.

In Kyiv, Trump’s remarks sparked mixed reactions. Some Ukrainian lawmakers expressed concern that U.S. political transitions could weaken support, while others argued that bipartisan backing for Ukraine’s defense remains strong. Analysts noted that Ukraine’s strategic goal is to keep the peace formula intact while maintaining ties with all major American political figures.

Moscow, for its part, dismissed the ongoing discussions as “theatrical,” claiming that no peace proposal is viable unless it acknowledges Russia’s control over occupied territories. Kremlin representatives repeated their longstanding demands, which Western states consider illegitimate and incompatible with international law. As negotiations continue, diplomats warned that aligning Western governments behind a single strategy will be essential in shaping the next phase of the conflict. While Ukraine’s allies agree on the need to support Kyiv militarily and politically, the debate over the peace plan’s final form underscores the complex geopolitical calculations that will shape the war’s eventual resolution.

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