European leaders today released a counter‑proposal to the U.S. Ukraine peace plan that caps the army at 800,000, offers U.S. security guarantees, stations NATO fighters in Poland, and calls for financial reparations from frozen Russian assets.
Counter‑Proposal Key Points
The draft European counter‑proposal presents a peace framework that limits the Ukrainian armed forces to 800,000 personnel in peacetime, compared with Washington’s planned 600,000. It also proposes U.S. security guarantees for Kyiv that mirror Article 5 of the NATO treaty.
Poland and NATO’s Role
Poland is singled out as a hub for NATO fighters, whose presence would be confined to the country during peacetime, rather than being stationed in Ukraine itself.
Financial Compensation and Territorial Negotiations
The plan calls for Ukraine to receive a financial rebate derived in part from frozen Russian assets. It also sets a framework for recovering occupied territories through military means and encourages “swap” negotiations on contested lands.
Ukrainian Backing and Political Endorsement
Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerow said the latest draft incorporates most of Kyiv’s “key elements.” He noted that the document is still non‑final but already aligns with many Ukrainian priorities.
Election Timeline
The proposal includes a provision for holding Ukraine’s national elections “as soon as possible” after a peace agreement is signed.
