Czech president: Trump's Ukraine peace deal must not punish the victim

Czech President Petr Pavel said any peace plan for Ukraine must not punish the victim more than the aggressor on Friday, emphasizing that Kyiv’s sovereignty, identity, and future must be guaranteed. His remarks came in response to a leaked 28-point U.S. proposal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

"Ukrainians and Europeans know Russia all too well and need credible assurances that this aggression will not return," Pavel stated. "That is why Ukraine and Europe must have a full say in any settlement."

Foreign agencies published the U.S. plan overnight, reportedly drafted with input from former US President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev.

According to the leak, the proposal would recognize Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk as Russian territories, along with parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia currently under Russian occupation. It would also block Ukraine from joining NATO and prevent the alliance from future expansion.

Pavel said an immediate ceasefire must come first, noting that Russia has so far shown no willingness to halt hostilities. "For the peace plan to be just, it must not punish the victim or overlook the crimes committed," he said. "And for it to last, it must guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty, ability to chart its own course, and decent future."

Prime Minister in resignation Petr Fiala supported U.S. efforts to end Russian aggression but stressed that Ukraine’s consent is essential. “The future of the brutally invaded Ukraine cannot be decided without its consent,” he said. Outgoing Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky warned against repeating mistakes similar to the 1938 Munich Agreement, which ceded territory and failed to prevent war.

Defence Minister in resignation Jana Cernochova echoed concerns, emphasizing that any concessions must ensure Ukraine’s security. “Concessions to Russia have never done any good. Conditions must be acceptable to Ukraine, and security guarantees must prevent future aggression,” she said.

Senator and foreign affairs committee chairman Pavel Fischer described the plan as dangerous. He said it undermines Ukrainian sovereignty and could give Russia de facto veto power over NATO decisions, increasing global instability.

Ukraine’s Security Council head Rustem Umerov reiterated that discussions cannot proceed without Ukraine’s agreement, a stance backed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held talks with allied leaders, including Ukraine, to assess the plan.

The U.S. plan has not been officially presented, and Ukrainian and European leaders are likely to push for revisions that safeguard sovereignty and security guarantees. Observers suggest that residents should watch for potential security alerts and economic measures tied to broader European responses to the conflict.

Czech officials maintain that any path to peace must prioritize fairness and credibility, with Ukraine actively participating in negotiations, signaling continued diplomatic engagement in the coming weeks.