EU counterproposal challenges US peace plan for Ukraine: Bloomberg learns key points
Photo: Friedrich Merz, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer (Getty Images)
Ukraine and its European partners are pressing the US for security guarantees that match the substance of NATO's Article 5 on collective defense, Bloomberg reports.
Allies also insist that any talks with Russia over territorial concessions can take place only after a complete halt to hostilities along the current front line.
According to sources familiar with a counterproposal, the document will be presented to the US on Sunday in Switzerland. It states that frozen Russian assets should be directed to Ukraine's reconstruction and compensation.
The sources noted that Kyiv and its European partners reject Moscow's demands for Ukrainian territories that Russia does not control. They also oppose reducing Ukraine's Armed Forces to 600,000 personnel, a provision included in the American proposal.
Canada and Japan support the European position. They joined the leaders' declaration at the G20 summit in South Africa, which stated that Ukraine's borders cannot be reduced.
Under terms previously proposed by the US, Ukraine would withdraw troops from parts of Donbas not fully occupied by Russia. That area would become a demilitarized buffer zone with international recognition of it as Russian. Moscow would also gain de facto recognition of its control over Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk. The rest of the front line, including parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, would remain frozen.
Several elements of the US proposal are viewed as acceptable. The points cover the return of all hostages, including deported children. The plan also provides for a family reunification program and establishes mechanisms to document and compensate harm suffered by those affected by the war.
If an agreement is reached, implementation would be overseen by the US and guaranteed by a special peace council led by US President Donald Trump.
US peace plan for Ukraine
Donald Trump set a deadline of November 27 for approval and warned he could halt military aid if Ukraine refuses. He also said the terms of the deal can still be adjusted.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the situation as a difficult choice between defending national dignity and preserving a key ally. He intends to present Ukraine's position at the negotiations in Geneva on November 23.
EU leaders have drafted their own proposals. They do not impose restrictions on the Armed Forces and would restore Ukraine's control over strategic resources and facilities.
