Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, said he does not consider the 28-point proposal tabled by Washington to be a conclusive plan to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Mr Wadephul told journalists in Brussels on Friday that he sees the document as a “list of issues that urgently need to be discussed between Ukraine and Russia, not as a final plan”.

“The German position is the European position, and that means we are supporting Ukraine,” he reiterated. “It will be Ukraine that decides which compromises it makes, just as Russia will have to make similar decisions. We are not arbiters here, but we are advocating for Ukraine, because Ukraine is defending its freedom and the freedom of Europe.”

The content of the plan, which emerged earlier this week, is said to be based primarily on Russian positions, making it likely that Kiev will reject it.

According to media reports, the draft agreement from Washington envisions Ukraine ceding territory and making additional concessions.

Under the proposal, Crimea and the occupied Ukrainian territories of Donetsk and Luhansk would be recognised as de facto Russian territory.

Additionally, Ukraine would be required to renounce NATO membership by constitutional decree, limit the size of its army to 600,000 troops, and remain nuclear-free.

In return, Ukraine would be promised U.S. security guarantees and would be allowed to join the European Union.

(dpa/NAN)