Ukraine and European Allies Reject Key Parts of U.S.–Russia Peace Plan

European and Ukrainian leaders have pushed back forcefully against a newly reported 28-point peace proposal — widely believed to have been crafted by U.S. and Russian officials — warning that it demands unacceptable concessions from Kyiv.

What the Plan Proposes

According to multiple media reports, the U.S.–Russia draft would require Ukraine to make major territorial and military sacrifices. Key elements reportedly include:

• Recognition of Russian control over parts of Ukraine, including Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk, effectively conceding these regions.
• Limiting Ukraine’s armed forces to around 600,000 personnel.
• A constitutional guarantee that Ukraine will not join NATO, along with a ban on foreign (including NATO) troops on Ukrainian soil.
• Relaxing or lifting sanctions on Russia over time, paired with economic cooperation.
• Security guarantees for Ukraine, though European officials say the terms are vague and may favor Moscow.

European Leaders Warn of Capitulation

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has made it clear that any peace deal must involve both Ukraine and Europe, not just the U.S. and Russia. “For any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board,” she said.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot echoed this sentiment, warning that true peace cannot be a capitulation.

Other European diplomats, including representatives from Germany and Poland, voiced alarm that they were not consulted in developing the draft.

Kyiv’s Mixed Reaction

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said his government is open to reviewing the plan. After meeting with U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian and American teams will examine its points carefully.

That said, Ukrainian officials have expressed deep concern. Some view the proposal as a “provocation” aimed at undermining unity between Kyiv and its European partners.

Broader Context

This proposal follows earlier efforts by European nations and Ukraine to craft a 12-point peace plan, focused on freezing current frontlines and ensuring strong security guarantees.