European Powers Challenge US-Russia Peace Framework
Britain, France and Germany have jointly drafted a comprehensive 28-point counter proposal to the United States' peace plan for Ukraine, creating a significant development in international diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict. The document, seen by Reuters news agency, systematically works through the original American proposal point-by-point, suggesting substantial deletions and alterations that reflect European security concerns.
Key Changes to the Original Peace Framework
The European counter proposal maintains the US plan as its foundation but introduces crucial modifications. One of the most notable changes is the complete deletion of Point 3 from the original American draft, which had stated: "There will be the expectation that Russia will not invade its neighbours and NATO will not expand further." This removal signals significant disagreement among Western allies about how to address future security arrangements in Eastern Europe.
Other maintained points include the reaffirmation of Ukraine's sovereignty and the establishment of a total and complete non-aggression agreement between Russia, Ukraine and NATO. The European version also preserves the provision for Ukraine to receive robust security guarantees while accepting limitations on its military size, which would be capped at 800,000 personnel during peacetime.
Security Arrangements and Territorial Compromises
The counter proposal addresses several sensitive security issues head-on. It acknowledges that Ukraine's NATO membership depends on consensus among member states, which currently does not exist. However, it does commit to NATO agreeing not to permanently station troops under its command in Ukraine during peacetime, while simultaneously allowing NATO fighter jets to be stationed in Poland.
Perhaps the most contentious aspect concerns territorial arrangements. Point 21 states that Ukraine commits not to recover its occupied sovereign territory through military means, with negotiations on territorial swaps beginning from the current Line of Contact. This represents a significant concession that has already drawn criticism from Ukrainian officials.
The economic dimensions of the proposal are equally comprehensive. Ukraine would receive a robust global redevelopment package including creation of a Ukraine Development fund, partnership with the United States to restore gas infrastructure, and special financing packages from the World Bank. Meanwhile, Russia would be progressively reintegrated into the global economy through phased sanction relief and invitation back into the G8.
Implementation and Oversight Mechanisms
The proposed agreement would be legally binding with implementation monitored and guaranteed by a Board of Peace chaired by President Donald J. Trump, according to Point 27. A joint Security taskforce would be established with participation from the US, Ukraine, Russia and European representatives to promote and enforce all provisions.
Humanitarian measures include establishing a committee to resolve open issues including prisoner exchanges on the principle of All for All, returning civilian detainees and children, and implementing family reunification programs. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant would be restarted under IAEA supervision with produced power shared equally between Russia and Ukraine.
This European counter proposal emerges as US-Ukraine talks continue in Switzerland, indicating that while Western allies share the goal of peace, significant differences remain in their approaches to achieving lasting security in the region.
