The peace plan that the United States has drawn up with Russia to end the war in Ukraine "requires additional work," said the leaders of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan on Saturday, who met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit being held in Johannesburg.

“We welcome the continued efforts of the United States to achieve peace in Ukraine. The initial draft of the 28-point plan includes important elements that will be essential for a just and lasting peace," the leaders stressed in a joint statement. "Therefore, we believe that the draft provides a foundation that will require further work. We are ready to collaborate to ensure that a future peace is sustainable,” they noted.

“We are clear on the principle that borders should not be changed by force,” they emphasized. “We are also concerned about the proposed limitations on Ukraine's armed forces, which would leave the country vulnerable to future attacks,” they added.

Ukraine and the United States to meet in Switzerland

Ukraine's Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council and the country's chief negotiator for a peace agreement, Rustem Umerov, announced on Saturday that consultations will take place in Switzerland in the coming days with senior US officials regarding the possible parameters of a plan to end the Russian war.

The former Ukrainian Defense Minister indicated that Ukraine is approaching this process with a clear understanding of its interests and explained that the main objective in Switzerland will be to present its vision to the American representatives and determine the next steps.

Shortly before, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed a negotiating team to work with the US, Russia, and other international partners on a “just and sustainable” peace plan. The team will be headed by his Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, and Umerov. as well as seven other high-ranking officials, including the heads of Military Intelligence (GRU) and the General Staff of the Armed Forces.