Europe unveils counter-proposal to US peace plan - Aftermath for Ukraine

The European proposal was drafted in response to Washington’s 28-point plan, which critics said offered Moscow excessive concessions.

According to The Telegraph, the new European document introduces several major adjustments:

• Russia’s reintegration into global formats
  The plan envisions a gradual return of Russia to international platforms and its reintegration into the global economy — including the potential restoration of the G8.

• Restrictions for Ukraine
  Unlike earlier drafts, the European version proposes capping Ukraine’s peacetime armed forces at 800,000 personnel.

• Mandatory elections after signing the deal
  The document includes a provision requiring Ukraine to hold elections immediately following the agreement.

• Exclusion of controversial US points
  Europe removed:

  • Russia’s demand for political changes in Donbas

  • a US-proposed clause allowing Washington to claim 50% of the revenue from frozen Russian assets

US position and reaction after Geneva talks

Following the emergency summit in Geneva, the US confirmed that its plan had been adjusted.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said:

"It was probably the most substantive and productive day we’ve had throughout this entire process."

He emphasised that the final terms must be approved by the leaders of the US and Russia, noting that Moscow keeps altering its conditions.

At the same time, President Trump criticised Ukraine for showing "zero gratitude" and expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as insufficient European efforts toward peace.

Criticism of US plan

The initial American proposal drew sharp backlash both domestically and internationally.

Critics claimed it resembled a "wish list for Putin," and some suggested the original text "may have been written in Russian."

US official Megan Mobbs argued that linguistic patterns in the draft resembled Russian governmental documents, though the administration dismissed these claims, insisting the plan was created in Washington.

Political reactions across Europe

European leaders have stressed the need for coordination and transparency:

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz questioned whether Trump’s timeline could be met:

  "I am not sure we will have the decision the president wants in the coming days."

• Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk demanded clarity:

  "Before we begin, it would be good to know exactly who wrote the plan and where it was drafted."

Core principles of European counter-proposal

• Any territorial negotiations should start from the current front line, not Russia’s demands.

• Frozen Russian assets should remain frozen until Russia pays full reparations to Ukraine.

Background

The US has presented an updated version of its proposal, currently consisting of 26 to 28 points, depending on the latest revisions. Rubio highlighted significant progress during the negotiations in Geneva, where talks are continuing at an accelerated pace.

After the first day of consultations, it also became clear that President Trump’s original deadline for Ukraine to sign the peace agreement would likely be pushed back.