Indonesia suggests peace plan for Russia-Ukraine War; EU criticises

In a speech to the Shangri-La Dialogue defence summit, Mr. Subianto proposed a ceasefire ‘at present positions’, and demilitarised zones

Indonesia's Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto proposed a plan on June 3 to end the war between Russia and Ukraine at a defence summit in Singapore, an initiative that drew quick criticism from attendees.

"I call on Russia and Ukraine to embark on an immediate cessation of hostilities," Mr. Subianto said, noting that the more than 15-month conflict had a severe impact on Asian nations' economies and food supplies.

In a speech to the Shangri-La Dialogue defence summit, Mr. Subianto proposed a ceasefire "at present positions", and demilitarised zones that would be guaranteed by observers and United Nations peacekeeping forces. He also suggested an eventual "referendum in the disputed areas" organised by the UN.

"Indonesia is prepared to contribute units to a potential UN peacekeeping operation," he added.

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China has presented its own peace plan to end the war — a vague list of proposals to which European Union politicians have reacted with scepticism. While Beijing says it is a neutral party to the conflict, it has been criticised for refusing to condemn Moscow's invasion.

In contrast, the United States and Western allies have delivered billions of dollars in weapons and other aid to Ukraine since Russia's invasion.