By Veronika Samodelkina, Young European Movement
All opinions are those of their respective author, and are not indicative of the stance of EUPS.
The leaked proposal was drafted as a counterproposal to a separate peace plan that was put down by the U.S. and Russia earlier this month, setting down its terms as a controversial 28-point peace plan, which favours Moscow and a lift on sanctions imposed on Russia. The most significant clause was Moscow’s ability to rejoin the G7, implying its influence on global economic and political decisions. As we all know, Russia is one of the world’s largest economies and a major exporter of oil, gas, and agricultural products. As time went on, it developed and progressed until the year of 2014, when it was expelled after the Crimean annexation. This statement felt alarming to the Kyiv officials, as well as other governments in Eastern Europe, due to this being a huge risk in aggravating aggression and going against the agreed Nato terms.
European proposal plan
This plan suggests a full ceasefire of military activities on land, sea, and air, which is monitored through satellites. It also looks to provide a binding security pact for Ukraine, set up according to NATO’s Article 5, which looks to return Ukrainian children home and sets up war crime claims to be ruled according to the ICJ. However, the issue of sanctions arises, as Russia will no longer feel their effect and will be able to return to the global economic discussions. It is quite controversial, but it is understandable, considering that Russia is able to control the Black Sea militarily, which is the point of connection between security and energy pathways; it still holds that permanent seat on the UNSC, and Russia is still a leading member of BRICS, an economic power group representing emerging economic markets. European representatives argue that it is difficult to ignore Russia’s geopolitical influence, as in their mind, “You can hate his views, but Putin leads one of the most powerful states globally. To end this conflict, you need to have him at the table of central discussions”. This was seen as a statement of betrayal to Kyiv.
Key compromises: controlled Ukrainian Army, early elections, and territorial negotiations
As we can note from the proposal, it rejects some of Washington’s most radical suggestions, such as forcing Ukraine to surrender the Donbas region, which will reward the aggression. In terms of the Ukrainian army, the plan sets out their military force at 800, 000 increased from Trump’s proposed 600,000, which is still lower than what Kyiv requires for the prevention of future invasions. The plan does not include this. As for the early elections, Ukraine will hold them ‘’as soon as possible’’ in accordance with the agreement. However, this does lead to a major Russian demand being satisfied, the removal of President Zelensky. As for the territories, it allows European representatives to acknowledge the current battleground gains of land. It then allows Washington to claim half of the future profits generated by the capital invested in these regions. Ukraine will get more security, however it will not receive full membership from NATO.
Washington’s reaction to the new plan
Following a security summit in Geneva, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested he Trump plan may be revisited after the following negotiations. According to him, this was ‘’the best meeting we have had so far’’, although Trump does still need to approve the final amendments. He contended by claiming Ukraine showed ‘’zero gratitude for American efforts, which Zelensky denied by claiming a ‘’real and lasting peace for Ukraine’’.The American plan has been condemned, even by Republicans, due to it being too plausible for Moscow’s viewpoint.
Europe is stuck between reality and the law
European officials state that without any economic incentives, Russia will not want reintegration. They acknowledge Russia’s powerful military and nuclear appeal, that make total exclusion unreasonable. BRICS expansion has given them external partners, such as China, making them less reliant on Europe and helping them to have that economic influence may solve the issue of the lack of energy resources and the cost of living crisis. There are opposers against this, who warn that Ukrainians may feel more under attack if Russia steps into the G7. As German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned: ‘’I am not yet convinced we will reach the solution Trump wants in the next few days’’. Poland has also insisted on the unification of Europe on this matter.
The War Continues
With all the negotiations taking place, Ukraine has launched the most powerful drone at a power station near Moscow, igniting a fire. Russia has also downed 75 drones over the Black Sea, implying that the conflict continues to aggravate, even whilst the peace discussions continue.
So, is Europe undermining Ukraine?
Political experts argue that as the European Council offers to rejoin Russian into global political discussions, whilst forcing early elections and cutting down on the Ukrainian military, this aggravates aggression. Ukrainians found this a ‘’slap in their face’’ after years of devotion to Europe. But without Russia’s power involved, economically and geopolitically, there can be no lasting peace without having them present. Whether this is an issue of diplomatic relations or sociological failure, we will wait and see.
Sources:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/11/24/ukraine-peace-plan-europe-russia
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/17/europe/crimea-russia-annexation-anniversary-intl-cmd
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce3zwy808dpo
https://www.nato.int/en/what-we-do/introduction-to-nato/collective-defence-and-article-5
https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/current-members
