European officials have drafted their own version of a peace initiative for Ukraine to counter the plan proposed by Donald Trump's administration. As The Washington Post reports, the European document categorically rejects any restrictions on the Armed Forces of Ukraine or demands for territorial concessions.

A copy of the agreement obtained by the publication calls for the restoration of Ukrainian control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the Kakhovka Dam, as well as ensuring "free passage" along the Dnipro River and guaranteed access to the Kinburn Spit. The EU proposes that territorial disputes should only be addressed after a ceasefire is in place.

According to Bloomberg, Kyiv and key European allies insist that any discussions with Russia regarding borders can begin only after a complete cessation of hostilities along the current line of contact. They also reject Moscow's demand to hand over territories it does not currently occupy.

In response to the 28-point US plan, the European side is demanding security guarantees from Washington similar to Article 5 of the NATO treaty, as well as the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction and compensation. The proposal also stipulates that Russian funds remain frozen until Moscow agrees to finance the recovery efforts.

The Risks of the US Proposal

Among the most controversial provisions of the US document is the requirement for Ukraine to withdraw troops from parts of the Donbas that Russia has failed to fully occupy. This territory would reportedly become a demilitarized zone, internationally recognized as Russian. A separate section deals with the de facto recognition of Russian control over Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk, as well as "freezing" most sectors of the front, including parts of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.

The plan also envisages capping the Ukrainian army at no more than 600,000 troops. European leaders and G7 nations, specifically Canada and Japan, have rejected such limits. Ukraine has previously stated that a peacetime army of at least 800,000 personnel is necessary.

Geneva Talks and Kyiv’s Position

A meeting of national security advisors from the US, Ukraine, and EU countries is taking place today in Geneva. The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, reported that he has already held consultations with representatives from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, adding that Ukraine is in a "very constructive mood" ahead of the talks with the US.

Kyiv is prepared to consider most points of the American document—specifically the return of deported children and the creation of family reunification programs. At the same time, Ukraine and its allies insist that any peace agreement must be accompanied by international monitoring involving the US and guarantee that Russia cannot evade responsibility for the war's destruction.