Germany’s Merz says parts of U.S. Ukraine “peace plan” are unacceptable

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin first reviewed the U.S.-proposed 28-point “peace plan” for ending the Russia-Ukraine war on November 21.

Speaking to Deutsche Welle at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, Merz said he discussed the proposal by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump shortly before departing Germany for South Africa.

“I told him that some points could be agreed, but others cannot,” Merz said, stressing that Germany will not support any arrangement that puts Ukraine’s sovereignty at risk.

The chancellor said he doubts all 28 points can be finalized by Trump’s deadline of November 27, noting that “interim results” are the most realistic outcome at this stage.

“We are trying to understand which parts of the plan could be unanimously approved by Europeans, Americans and Ukraine on one side, and by Russia on the other,” he said.

Merz also criticized a provision that would allow the United States to claim half of the revenue from frozen Russian assets earmarked for Ukraine.

“Russian assets held in Brussels cannot be paid out to the U.S. This is unthinkable. If this plan is to move forward, Europe’s consent is absolutely essential,” he said.