DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics A rift in the alliance? Trump’s Ukraine peace plan and Germany's response
Nov 28, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Dominik Tolksdorf, a senior foreign policy expert at DGAP, shares his perspective on Trump's controversial 28-point peace plan for Ukraine. The conversation reveals the shockwave felt across Europe as details emerged, highlighting concerns over potential concessions to Russia. Tolksdorf explains the chaotic diplomatic maneuvering involving European leaders and stresses the urgent need for Europe to assert its sovereignty in security matters. They also examine how frozen Russian assets might serve as leverage for Ukraine, calling for a reevaluation of transatlantic ties.
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Shock To European Assumptions
- The 28-point plan was a "nightmare scenario" that shocked Europeans by suggesting the US might mediate between NATO and Russia.
- That revelation forced Europe to reckon that longstanding assumptions about US commitment are negotiable.
Merz's Phone Call That Changed The Moment
- Friedrich Merz spent nearly 24 hours trying to reach Donald Trump and finally spoke to him before flying to the G20.
- That phone call helped persuade Trump to allow negotiations and avoid an immediate rupture with Europe.
Choosing To Fix Rather Than Reject
- Europeans chose to work with the leaked draft rather than reject it outright to avoid Trump's possible rejection of a European counterproposal.
- That tactical choice allowed Europe to blunt the worst concessions on territory and troop limits.