European leaders have emerged as some of the strongest critics of the controversial Trump-Putin peace plan for Ukraine. In response, they have developed a counter-proposal, aiming to present what they describe as a “just peace,” although it still includes significant concessions to Russia.
The original 28-point US-Russian plan, revealed last week by Axios, sparked outrage across Kyiv and its allies. Under the Trump-backed deal, Ukraine would be forced to cede control of Donetsk, halve its army to 600,000 troops, and face a NATO membership ban. Russia, meanwhile, would be welcomed back into the G7, a move seen as supporting its struggling economy. Critics have called the plan a near-total surrender to Putin, fueling suspicions that Russian officials may have influenced its drafting a claim the White House firmly denies.
Europe’s counteroffer, reportedly drafted with input from the UK, contains 24 points and makes some adjustments. Ukraine’s army would be capped at 850,000 troops rather than 600,000, and crucially, there would be no restrictions on the presence of foreign forces in the country. The Kremlin has indicated it would tolerate NATO troops in Ukraine if they are part of peacekeeping efforts. Like the US plan, the European proposal also invites Russia back into the G7.
Meanwhile, discussions between Ukrainian and US officials continue. In Geneva, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with President Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andrii Yermak. Rubio described the talks as “probably the most productive and meaningful meeting so far in this entire process.”
The debate over these competing peace plans highlights the delicate balance between negotiating an end to the conflict and ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. European leaders appear determined to avoid a deal that could be perceived as capitulation, while still seeking a framework that might bring Moscow to the negotiating table.
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