Dutch premier, Ukrainian president discuss US peace plan

LONDON

Discussing a new US peace plan with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Dutch prime minister on Saturday reiterated the Netherlands' support in the face of current difficulties.

In a post on US social media company X, Dick Schoof, who is attending this weekend’s G20 summit in South Africa, said he held a phone call with the Ukrainian leader about the US peace plan "reiterating my support in these difficult times."

He noted that it is important for Ukraine to be closely involved in the ongoing negotiations and any eventual agreement.

"This is the only path to a just and lasting peace, for security in Ukraine and the rest of Europe," said Schoof.

The phone call came amid discussion of a 28-point peace plan prepared by the US to end the 2 1/2-year-old war.

The draft appears to require Ukraine to surrender additional territory to Russia, limit the size of its military, and formally abandon its bid to join NATO. President Donald Trump has given his Ukrainian counterpart Zelenskyy until Thursday to respond.

Zelenskyy said he faces a tough choice, namely the "loss of our dignity or the risk of losing a key partner."

Earlier Saturday, the leaders of nine European countries plus Japan, Canada, as well as EU chiefs expressed concern over the proposed limitations on Ukraine's armed forces, "which would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attack."

Russia started its "special military operation" in February 2022 for what it calls the "denazification" and demilitarization of Ukraine. Besides limits on the Ukrainian military and barring NATO membership, Moscow wants the Russian language to enjoy official status in Ukraine.