BERLIN 

Germany has criticized US President Donald Trump's Ukraine peace plan, with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius saying it offers excessive territorial concessions to Russia.

Speaking to public broadcaster ARD late Sunday, Pistorius acknowledged that while peace negotiations might involve some territorial exchanges, the current proposals raise some serious concerns.

“There could be territorial concessions in the case of a sustainable, trustworthy ceasefire agreement, or peace treaty. But these will certainly not go as excessive as they are now, should not go as far as in the latest proposal by the US President,” Pistorius said, adding that the current plan would mean “more or less a capitulation” for Ukraine.

Trump indicated on Sunday that Ukraine should cede the Crimean Peninsula -- annexed by Russia in 2014 -- as part of his proposed peace agreement. According to media reports, Trump's plan would also require Kyiv to surrender significant territories in eastern Ukraine that Russia currently occupies.

Defense Minister Pistorius reaffirmed Germany's ongoing military support to Ukraine -- even in the event of suspended US assistance. He pointed out that this commitment is explicitly stated in the coalition agreement of the incoming German government under conservative leader Friedrich Merz.

“If Ukraine falls, if Putin wins this war by occupying Ukraine or even large parts of it, this poses a maximum threat to NATO territory and, notably, to neighboring countries like Moldova and Georgia,” Pistorius said. “This is not just about solidarity with Ukraine -- it's about our security and peace in Europe,” he added.