On April 28, 2025, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius sharply condemned US President Donald Trump's peace plan to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, calling it a "capitulation" of Kyiv to Moscow. In an interview with German public television channel ARD in the program "Bericht aus Berlin", Pistorius said that Trump's proposals, which imply large-scale territorial concessions from Ukraine, do not bring any benefit to Kyiv.

“What is contained in this proposal, Ukraine could have obtained a year ago by itself through capitulation,” “he stressed, adding that the Ukrainian authorities understand the need for territorial compromises for a sustainable ceasefire, but not to the extent indicated in the American plan.

Pistorius noted that any concessions must be accompanied by reliable security guarantees. He assured that Germany would continue to provide military support to Ukraine even if the US under Trump refused to help.

Pistorius' criticism reflects European leaders' concerns about Trump's policies. Trump's plan, details of which have leaked to the media, includes freezing the front line, banning Ukraine from joining NATO, and recognizing Crimea and part of Donbas as Russian territory. These conditions, according to Kyiv and a number of European countries, are tantamount to capitulation.

The context of Pistorius's statements is linked to the Trump administration's diplomatic efforts. According to The Washington Post, the United States is pushing for talks without Ukraine, which has sparked protests in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at the G20, insisted on Ukraine's inclusion in any discussions, stressing that "without the Ukrainian voice, there will be no peace." Reuters also noted that European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are discussing the possibility of sending peacekeepers to Ukraine to offset a possible reduction in American support.