The latest proposal from US Leader, Donald Trump to end the war in Ukraine sent shockwaves through Kyivs international allies, particularly as the 28-point plan appeared to lean towards Russias hardline positions and offered limited security guarantees for Ukraine.Without consultation from the E3 nations (Britain, France, and Germany), the US proposal emerged, leading these three countries to swiftly develop a counteroffer. European nations on Sunday, November 23 released its own counter-proposal. The new proposal takes the US plan as its foundation, and has several notable differences.It remains understood that any final agreement, even if backed by the US and Europe, would still require Russian approval.While tangible details on Ukraine’s security remain sparse, the European counter-proposal makes crucial amendments, particularly concerning NATO.The European plan opens more room for NATO in Ukraine’s future, a red line for Russia and a position Washington had seemingly moved away from. Specifically on membership, the European text states that Ukraine joining NATO would depend on a consensus among members, acknowledging that this consensus does not currently exist.Regarding military presence, the E3 proposal agrees that NATO would not permanently station troops in Ukraine in peacetime, but it appears to leave space for a “coalition of the willing” to have greater involvement.By contrast, the original Trump proposal had demanded that Ukraine constitutionally bind itself not to join NATO and outright prohibited any NATO peacekeepers on the ground. Separately, European leaders made no changes to the item concerning Ukraines eligibility for EU membership.The language on Ukraines post-war rebuilding is significantly firmer in the European revision. The new proposal insists that Ukraine must be fully reconstructed and financially compensated, explicitly including funds drawn from seized Russian sovereign assets.See the full European backed deal below 1. Ukraine’s sovereignty to be reconfirmed.2. There will be a total and complete non-aggression agreement reached between Russia and Ukraine and NATO. All ambiguities from the last 30 years will be resolved.(Point 3 of U.S. plan is deleted. A draft of that plan seen by Reuters said: “There will be the expectation that Russia will not invade its neighbours and NATO will not expand further.”)4. After a peace agreement is signed, a dialogue between Russia and NATO will convene to address all security concerns and create a de-escalatory environment to ensure global security and increase the opportunity for connectivity and future economic opportunity.5. Ukraine will receive robust Security Guarantees6. Size of Ukraine military to be capped at 800,000 in peacetime.7. Ukraine joining NATO depends on consensus of NATO members, which does not exist.8. NATO agrees not to permanently station troops under its command in Ukraine in peacetime.9. NATO fighter jets will be stationed in Poland10. US guarantee that mirrors Article 5a. US to receive compensation for the guaranteeb. If Ukraine invades Russia, it forfeits the guaranteec. If Russia invades Ukraine, in addition to a robust coordinated military response, all global sanctions will be restored and any kind of recognition for the new territory and all other benefits from this agreement will be withdrawn.11. Ukraine is eligible for EU membership and will get short-term preferred market access to Europe while this is being evaluated12. Robust Global Redevelopment Package for Ukraine including but not limited to:a. Creation of Ukraine Development fund to invest in high growth industries including technology, data centres and Al effortsb. The United States will partner with Ukraine to jointly restore, grow, modernize and operate Ukraine’s gas infrastructure, which includes its pipeline and storage facilitiesc. A joint effort to redevelop areas impacted by the war to restore, redevelop and modernize cities and residential areasd. Infrastructure developmente. Mineral and natural resource extractionf. A special financing package will be developed by the World Bank to provide financing to accelerate these efforts.13. Russia to be progressively re-integrated into the global economya. Sanction relief will be discussed and agreed upon in phases and on a case-by-case basis.b. The United States will enter into a long-term Economic Cooperation Agreement to pursue mutual development in the areas of energy, natural resources, infrastructure, AI, datacenters, rare earths, joint projects in the Arctic, as well as various other mutually beneficial corporate opportunities.c. Russia to be invited back into the G814. Ukraine will be fully reconstructed and compensated financially, including through Russian sovereign assets that will remain frozen until Russia compensates damage to Ukraine.15. A joint Security taskforce will be established with the participation of US, Ukraine, Russia and the Europeans to promote and enforce all of the provisions of this agreement16. Russia will legislatively enshrine a non-aggression policy towards Europe and Ukraine17. The United States and Russia agree to extend nuclear non-proliferation and control treaties, including Fair Start18. Ukraine agrees to remain a non-nuclear state under the NPT19. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant will be restarted under supervision of the IAEA, and the produced power shall be shared equitably in a 50-50 split between Russia and Ukraine.20. Ukraine will adopt EU rules on religious tolerance and the protection of linguistic minorities.21. TerritoriesUkraine commits not to recover its occupied sovereign territory through military means. Negotiations on territorial swaps will start from the Line of Contact.22. Once future territorial arrangements have been agreed, both the Russian Federation and Ukraine undertake not to change these arrangements by force. Any security guarantees will not apply if there is a breach of this obligation23. Russia shall not obstruct Ukraine’s use of the Dnieper River for purposes of commercial activities, and agreements will be reached for grain shipments to move freely through the Black Sea24. A humanitarian committee will be established to resolve open issues:a. All remaining prisoners and bodies will be exchanged on the principle of All for Allb. All civilian detainees and hostages will be returned, including childrenc. There will be a family reunification programd. Provisions will be made to address the suffering of victims from the conflict25. Ukraine will hold elections as soon as possible after the signing of the peace agreement.26. Provision will be made to address the suffering of victims of the conflict.27. This agreement will be legally binding. Its implementation will be monitored and guaranteed by a Board of Peace, chaired by President Donald J. Trump. There will bepenalties for violation.28. Upon all sides agreeing to this memorandum, a ceasefire will be immediately effective upon both parties withdrawing to the agreed upon points for the implementation of the agreement to begin. Ceasefire modalities, including monitoring, will be agreed by both parties under US supervision. The post See Europe’s 28 point counter-proposal for peace in Ukraine war appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.
