Germany has strongly criticized a peace proposal suggested by US President Donald Trump, which involves ceding large portions of Ukrainian land to Russia.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated on Sunday that while Ukraine might eventually need to make concessions to secure peace, the land giveaway outlined in Trump’s proposal would amount to a “capitulation.”
Speaking to German public broadcaster ARD, Pistorius argued that Ukraine could have accepted such a settlement more than a year ago, effectively surrendering, and he saw no additional value in Trump’s plan.
Trump, frustrated by his inability to broker peace between Moscow and Kyiv after more than three years of war, has pushed for a deal that would recognize Russia’s control over Crimea — the peninsula Moscow annexed in 2014 — and other Ukrainian territory seized since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Officials familiar with the plan say this proposal is part of Trump’s broader vision to end the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has acknowledged that Ukraine currently lacks the military power to retake Crimea by force, but he has consistently stated that making territorial concessions is a non-negotiable red line. Ukraine’s constitution prohibits recognizing Crimea as part of Russia.
“This territory is not my property. It is the property of the Ukrainian people,” Zelensky emphasized during a Friday briefing.
Trump and Zelensky briefly discussed the Crimea issue after meeting at the Vatican during Pope Francis’ funeral. Trump indicated that Zelensky is open to making a deal, while continuing his strong criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump urged Putin to “stop shooting, sit down and sign a deal,” adding that if progress stalls, he may consider imposing new sanctions on Russia.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented that the coming week would be “very critical” for US-led peace efforts, acknowledging that negotiations were “close but not close enough.”
Meanwhile, North Korea has confirmed for the first time that it has deployed troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. The Central Military Commission in Pyongyang praised its combat sub-units for contributing to a “precious victory” in the Russian region of Kursk. Russian President Putin claimed that Russian forces had recaptured Kursk after Ukraine launched an offensive there last year, though Ukrainian officials maintain that their troops are still fighting to retain control.
Putin commended the North Korean troops for their “heroism” and “special training,” stating they defended Russian territory “as their own.” According to estimates from Ukrainian officials and Western intelligence, around 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to support Russia, despite Pyongyang’s prior denials.
South Korea’s military reported in March that North Korea had sent an additional 3,000 soldiers to Russia, replacing about 4,000 casualties. This deployment follows a strategic partnership agreement signed between North Korea and Russia last year, which includes military assistance in case either nation is attacked. Kim Jong Un personally ordered the deployments and plans to honor the soldiers with a monument.
In addition to the troops, South Korea also reported that North Korea has supplied Russia with short-range ballistic missiles, self-propelled howitzers, and multiple rocket launchers.
The US State Department expressed grave concern over North Korea’s involvement, urging that military support between Russia and North Korea must cease.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry condemned the deployment, calling it a violation of UN resolutions and an illegal act that threatens global peace. They urged the international community to take action.
