European nations presented a significantly different peace plan for Ukraine on Sunday, departing from key elements of a controversial US-backed proposal and emphasizing Ukrainian sovereignty.
The European counter-proposal surfaced as American, Ukrainian, and international diplomats convened in Switzerland. The original 28-point US document, which was leaked the previous week, requires Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, restricts its military capacity, and prohibits pursuit of war crimes charges against the Kremlin.
Transatlantic Tensions Surface
As Geneva discussions commenced, President Trump criticized Ukraine for displaying “zero gratitude” regarding American peace efforts. President Zelenskyy responded diplomatically, acknowledging his appreciation for US military aid that has protected Ukrainian civilians.
The weekend brought confusion when Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the White House plan originated in Moscow, though he subsequently maintained US authorship.
Key Differences in European Plan
The European alternative proposes several notable departures from the American framework:
Territorial negotiations would occur after a ceasefire, beginning from current frontline positions
No requirement for Kyiv to abandon cities it holds in eastern Donbas
Ukraine’s NATO membership remains possible, though currently lacking consensus
Ukraine’s peacetime military could reach 800,000 soldiers—200,000 more than the US proposal allows
Frozen Russian assets would fund Ukrainian reconstruction rather than partially benefiting US investors
The European plan also suggests transferring the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility to international oversight and potentially reintegrating Russia into global institutions if lasting peace materializes.
Questions About Authorship
The plan was developed by Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s representative, working with Trump envoy Steve Witkoff. Polish President Donald Tusk questioned the document’s true origins on Sunday.
Following pushback from Republican senators, Trump softened his position, characterizing the proposal as not his final offer and allowing room for substantial revisions.
Diplomatic Developments
Rubio expressed optimism following Sunday’s Geneva meetings, stating significant progress had been made. Zelenskyy welcomed the dialogue, noting encouraging signals from the Trump administration.
European officials have privately criticized the US draft, arguing it compromises Ukrainian sovereignty and could establish a dangerous international precedent. One official suggested Putin seeks to reverse three decades of European security arrangements and reimpose demands made before his full-scale invasion.
Ukrainian political analyst Olexiy Haran indicated that while Ukrainians might accept a frontline freeze as a difficult compromise, territorial concessions to Russia lack public support. The ultimate decision, he emphasized, rests with the Ukrainian people and their national identity rather than any individual leader.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
