Europe rejects the possibility of conceding Ukrainian territories that are not currently under Russian occupation, as clarified in the European draft that appears as a counter-proposal to Donald Trump’s 28-point peace plan. While the agreement has been extended and the American ultimatum until Thursday, November 27, appears to be non-binding, the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung leaked more details about European demands aimed at securing Ukrainian interests, following critical negotiations in Geneva.
According to SZ, Reuters reports that Europe rejects the possibility of conceding Ukrainian territories that are not currently under Russian occupation, emphasizing that negotiations for territorial exchanges should start from the current military contact line.Additionally, Ukraine should maintain 800,000 soldiers in peacetime, 200,000 more than the American plan provides.
European peace plan for Ukraine: How it differs from Trump’s proposal
The agency notes that the initial US proposals regarding frozen Russian assets in the EU have been “significantly modified“. Yesterday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz called “unacceptable“ the proposal for a $100 billion European investment in Ukraine’s reconstruction under American control, from which the US would subsequently collect 50% of the profits.
Europeans argue that Ukraine should also receive security guarantees under NATO’s Article 5, and that the country’s Alliance membership would require unanimous consent from all members. Reuters clarifies that currently there is no consensus on this point, however Ukraine’s NATO membership has not been definitively rejected. NATO would not maintain permanent forces in Ukraine, while, as Bloomberg reports, the US would be compensated for the security guarantees they provide and sanctions against Russia would be lifted gradually.
German news agency dpa further reports that Europeans demand no general amnesty for war crimes be granted, and that the American proposal of a 100-day deadline for elections in Ukraine should not apply.
Key points of Trump’s plan
According to Trump’s proposed plan, Ukraine’s independence would be confirmed and a comprehensive non-aggression agreement would be signed between Russia, Ukraine, and Europe. Dialogue between Russia and NATO would be conducted, mediated by the United States, to resolve all security issues. Ukraine would receive credible security guarantees, while the size of the Ukrainian Armed Forces would be limited to 600,000 personnel.
NATO agrees not to deploy troops in Ukraine, while European fighter aircraft would be stationed in Poland. Ukraine remains eligible for EU membership and would receive short-term preferential access to the European market.
Ukraine reconstruction package
A strong global package of measures for Ukraine’s reconstruction is also planned, including the creation of a Development Fund for investments in rapidly growing industries, including technology, data centers, and artificial intelligence. The US would cooperate with Ukraine on rebuilding, developing, and modernizing natural gas infrastructure, including pipelines and storage facilities.
Nuclear weapons and legal commitment
Regarding nuclear weapons, the United States and Russia would agree to extend nuclear non-proliferation and arms control treaties, while Ukraine agrees to remain a non-nuclear state. The agreement would be legally binding and its implementation would be monitored and guaranteed by a Peace Council, headed by the American president.
Once all parties agree to the memorandum, the ceasefire would take effect from the moment both sides withdraw to agreed points to begin implementing the agreement.
