German newspapers allege that a covert plan by Putin and Trump would end the war in Ukraine, but critics say it would leave the country defenseless and Europe unsafe.
German newspapers denounce alleged war‑ending plan
On Thursday, 20 November, the daily “Die Welt” published a letter described as a Kremlin memo that outlined a “U.S.–Russian” peace proposal that would end the Ukraine war. The paper claims the plan would amount to a surrender for Ukraine and a loss of security for Europe.
Donbas as a “gift”: a slippery slope for Moscow
Commentator Ibrahim Naber argues that ceding Donbas to Russia would be a token for Moscow, a country that has achieved only modest territorial gains in recent years. He warns that Ukrainian lands behind the line would immediately face pressure, creating a base for a future Russian invasion.
Disallowing long‑range fire would erase Ukraine’s only hard guarantee
According to Naber, banning Ukraine’s use of long‑range weapons would deprive Kyiv of its most effective means of pressure, after the systematic attacks on Russian refineries and weapons plants had already increased the strain on Putin. He stresses that Ukraine’s modern army—“the strongest in Europe”—is its sole concrete guarantee of state survival.
Polish and European leaders reject the proposal
Polish foreign minister Radosław Sikorski criticized the alleged plan, saying that the victim should not be restricted in its ability to defend itself, only the aggressor’s power. German reporter Jens Münchrat added that the plan would signal Ukrainian capitulation to a revisionist power and a betrayal of Ukraine’s cause.
Trump wields pressure, but can he finish the war?
Commentators say that Trump could leverage influence over President Zelensky through cutting weapon supplies and ending intelligence cooperation essential for Ukraine’s defense. They argue that European countries cannot replace U.S. capability in the near future, and a unilateral American stance would risk failure. The plan’s imposition would also give Russia further incentive for its imperialist ambitions.