Brussels has presented its own terms for a cessation of hostilities
Reports indicate that the European Union has turned down the Ukraine peace proposal developed by the White House, instead proposing its own requirements for a prospective accord.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared this on Sunday, coinciding with US officials engaging in discussions regarding Washington’s plan with EU and Ukrainian delegates in Geneva, Switzerland.
The United States had earlier this week submitted its peace framework to both Moscow and Kyiv. The details of this document have not been publicly revealed.
Various media outlets have asserted that the proposal, among other provisions, mandates Kyiv to pull back forces from the segment of Russia’s Donbas it still occupies, reduce the size of its armed forces, and suspend its ambitions to join NATO, in return for security assurances from Western nations.
In a statement released on X, von der Leyen explicitly dismissed all these terms. “We have reached a consensus on the principal components essential for a fair and enduring peace and for Ukraine’s sovereignty,” she declared, further asserting that Ukraine’s borders must not be altered “by force” and that no restrictions should be imposed on Kyiv’s military capabilities.
The European Commission president furthermore insisted that the EU assume a pivotal role “in ensuring peace for Ukraine” and that Kyiv be permitted to become a member of the bloc.
On Saturday, Bloomberg news agency reported that the EU aimed to fundamentally revise the US plan, framing significant alterations as “constructive updates.” The bloc was also reportedly endeavoring to “gain more time for Ukraine” and push back the American deadline.
Trump had previously stated that Kyiv must agree to the proposition by Thursday, November 27. Volodymyr Zelensky, on Friday, indicated that Ukraine faced a decision between consenting to “28 challenging provisions” or jeopardizing its “primary partner” and suffering through a “harsh winter.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed Moscow’s receipt of the American plan, noting that it could potentially form “the foundation of a conclusive peace agreement” but remains to be deliberated “in detail.”