A major development has emerged in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. The United Kingdom, France, and Germany collectively known as the E3 have drafted a counter-proposal to the initial peace plan circulated by the United States. This new European position aims to address concerns that the original U.S. draft was too favorable to Russia and would have placed disproportionate constraints on Ukraine’s sovereignty and future policy decisions.
The E3 counter-proposal, which retains the original structure of the 28-point U.S. plan, introduces significant revisions across key areas such as territorial negotiations, military capacity, NATO membership, sanctions policy, and security guarantees. European officials describe these revisions as necessary to align any future peace agreement with Ukraine’s rights under international law and with Europe’s long-term security interests.
The counter-proposal has now become part of the ongoing negotiation process, taking place in diplomatic venues including Abu Dhabi and Geneva, where representatives from Ukraine, the United States, European countries, and other mediators are attempting to find common ground for eventual peace talks.
A Divided Western Approach to Peace: The Context Behind the E3 Proposal
The American draft peace plan generated considerable debate among officials and analysts in Europe. Critics argued that several clauses risked formalizing territorial concessions to Russia and placing limits on Ukraine’s military capabilities that would weaken the country’s security in the long term. Others raised concerns that certain economic proposals would complicate efforts to hold Russia financially accountable for war damages.
In response to these concerns, the governments of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany collaborated to produce a revised version of the plan. Their objective was not to reject the U.S. initiative, but to recalibrate it in a way that protects Ukrainian sovereignty and strengthens European security priorities.
The result is a detailed counter-proposal that maintains the structure of the U.S. draft while significantly updating its content.
Major Revisions in the E3 Counter-Proposal
Below is a breakdown of the most significant changes introduced by the European plan.
Territorial and Sovereignty Provisions
U.S. Draft (Controversial Clause):
The American plan required Ukraine to withdraw from territory it currently controls and imposed explicit territorial concessions to Russia. Critics warned that this could create a precedent for legitimizing territorial changes achieved through military force.
E3 Revision:
The European draft stipulates that:
- Negotiations on territory must begin from the current Line of Contact, not from Russia’s stated territorial claims.
- No recognition is given to Russia’s annexations of Ukrainian territory.
- Territorial discussions would begin only after a ceasefire, not as a precondition.
This adjustment marks one of the most significant divergences from the U.S. draft. The E3 approach aims to prevent the legitimization of territorial acquisition by force and ensures that Ukraine retains full agency in any negotiation over its internationally recognized borders.
Military and Security Provisions
U.S. Draft:
The original American proposal capped Ukraine’s armed forces at 600,000 personnel, regardless of the security situation. Analysts argued this could leave Ukraine vulnerable if Russia were to resume hostilities after a ceasefire.
E3 Revision:
The European proposal:
- Sets the cap at 800,000 personnel, but only during peacetime.
- Allows Ukraine to expand its military if it is threatened or attacked.
The E3 argues that any responsible peace agreement must allow Ukraine to maintain a defense force proportionate to its security needs, especially given the unpredictability of long-term relations with Russia.
NATO Membership and Ukraine’s Future Alignment
U.S. Draft:
The American plan required Ukraine to amend its constitution to permanently renounce NATO membership. It also required NATO to legally prohibit Ukraine from joining in the future. Critics described this as effectively granting Russia veto power over Ukraine’s foreign policy.
E3 Revision:
The European counter-proposal removes these restrictions and states instead that:
- Ukraine’s NATO membership depends on the consensus of NATO members, which is the standard procedure for any new member.
This restores Ukraine’s sovereign right to pursue its preferred security alignment, without permanently preventing the country from joining NATO.
Sanctions and Russian Assets
U.S. Draft:
One of the more controversial elements of the U.S. plan proposed a complex system in which the United States would take 50% of the profits generated from frozen Russian state assets that would be invested in Ukraine’s reconstruction.
European officials raised concerns that this approach could complicate international legal efforts to ensure Russia compensates Ukraine directly for the destruction caused by the war.
E3 Revision:
The European plan takes a firmer stance:
- Frozen Russian sovereign assets remain frozen until Russia pays reparations to Ukraine.
- No profit-sharing mechanism is included.
This approach emphasizes accountability and simplifies the legal framework for post-war compensation.
Security Guarantees for Ukraine
U.S. Draft:
The security guarantees were described as vague and lacked the credibility needed to deter future aggression.
E3 Revision:
The European proposal strengthens the guarantees substantially:
- It outlines a robust U.S. security guarantee modeled after NATO’s Article 5.
- It introduces slightly softer clauses around suspension of the guarantee, giving Ukraine clearer protection while establishing accountability for compliance.
This measure signals that the E3 believes Ukraine needs stronger and clearer assurances to prevent future conflict.
NATO Presence in Ukraine During Peacetime
U.S. Draft:
The American proposal prohibited the stationing of any NATO troops on Ukrainian territory under all circumstances, effectively eliminating options for training missions or temporary security deployments.
E3 Revision:
The European plan softens this clause by stating:
- No permanent NATO troops may be stationed in Ukraine during peacetime, but temporary deployments remain possible.
This change allows flexibility for training, emergency support, or crisis response if needed.
A Strategic Shift: Europe Takes a More Assertive Role
The E3 counter-proposal represents a significant shift in diplomatic leadership. While the United States remains a central actor in Ukraine’s defense and diplomatic strategy, European powers are asserting their interests more clearly.
Several factors explain this approach:
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Proximity: Europe is more directly affected by the war’s security and economic consequences.
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Long-term stability: European governments argue that a peace agreement must prevent a frozen conflict or renewed warfare.
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Deterrence: Europe is concerned that a weak deal could embolden future territorial aggression.
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Ukraine’s future integration: Europe has invested politically and economically in Ukraine’s eventual integration into European institutions.
By revising the U.S. plan, the E3 aims to create a more balanced proposal that reflects both Ukrainian realities and Europe’s long-term security interests.
Current Status of Negotiations: Abu Dhabi, Geneva, and Beyond
The E3 counter-proposal has now entered the broader negotiation process, which includes discussions in:
- Abu Dhabi
- Geneva
- Other diplomatic channels involving global mediators
These discussions are still in progress, and no final framework has been agreed upon. Both the U.S. draft and the European counter-proposal are being treated as evolving documents that may undergo further revisions as negotiations continue.
Ukraine has not formally accepted or rejected either version, and officials are reviewing the proposals line-by-line. Russia’s reaction has also not been fully disclosed, though analysts expect Moscow to resist provisions that strengthen Ukraine’s military or reject territorial concessions.
Conclusion
The European counter-proposal to the U.S. peace plan represents a pivotal moment in the diplomatic process surrounding the Ukraine war. By revising critical provisions related to territory, security guarantees, NATO membership, and sanctions, the E3 aims to ensure that any eventual agreement protects Ukraine’s sovereignty and strengthens long-term European stability.
While negotiations remain ongoing, the existence of competing Western proposals underscores the complexity of reaching a durable peace. Whether these drafts can eventually converge into a unified Western position will play a major role in shaping the future of European security and Ukraine’s long-term sovereignty.
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