The European Commission reported significant constructive progress in the negotiations regarding the preparation of a peace plan for Ukraine, which has been actively discussed in recent days. This was stated by the chief spokesperson of the European Commission, Paola Pinho, during a briefing in Brussels.
This is reported by Kyiv24
The EU Plays a Key Role in Conflict Resolution
Paola Pinho emphasized that the European Union must be a central participant in ensuring a final, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine. She noted that there is still much work ahead, but the EU is ready to contribute to the development of a practical and effective plan.
“The central role of the EU in ensuring a final and just, lasting peace for Ukraine must be fully reflected in any reliable plan… There is still much work ahead. We are ready to contribute.”
She also highlighted that EU leaders continue to coordinate positions, particularly during a hybrid meeting in Angola organized by the President of the European Council, António Costa. According to the spokesperson, European engagement will continue at all levels to achieve a just peace for Ukraine.
Negotiations in Geneva and Details of Peace Initiatives
On November 23, negotiations took place in Geneva regarding the peace plan proposed by the United States. Following the discussions, Ukraine and the United States issued a joint statement noting “significant progress” and reported that the framework agreement had been updated and refined. The final decision on its adoption will be made by the presidents of both countries.
While details of the changes to the 28-point peace plan previously outlined by the Trump administration are not disclosed, it is known that the initial draft faced criticism both in Kyiv and among Western allies. Some American lawmakers, particularly Republicans, expressed opposition to the proposal, calling it a “wish list” for the Kremlin.
The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Andriy Yermak, reported that “very good progress” was made during the negotiations in Geneva and that the parties are “moving towards a just and durable peace that the Ukrainian people deserve.”
According to media reports, a possible visit by Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington is being discussed for further negotiations with U.S. representatives, including discussions on the most sensitive issues of the peace plan, particularly regarding potential territorial concessions.
The draft American plan, according to media reports, included recognition of Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk as de facto under Russian control, a “freezing” of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia along the line of conflict, holding elections in Ukraine 100 days after the agreement is signed, establishing a neutral status for the country and renouncing NATO membership, as well as limiting the size of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and gradually lifting financial sanctions against Moscow.
At the same time, it became known that Europe is developing an alternative peace plan that does not involve territorial concessions under Ukrainian control and sets the limit for the Armed Forces of Ukraine at 800,000 troops instead of 600,000 in the American version. According to this plan, Ukraine will receive more reliable security guarantees, and NATO membership will not be explicitly excluded. Russia will not receive amnesty for war crimes.
The European Commission also emphasized the importance of the principle of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine” and the fundamental positions that must be reflected in any peace plan. The main ones include the inadmissibility of changing borders by force, ensuring Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the absence of restrictions on its armed forces, and the central role of the EU in the peacekeeping process.
The spokesperson of the European Commission added that these principles do not exhaust all possible elements for a future agreement. Commenting on the possibility of providing Ukraine with reparations loans, she emphasized the growing relevance of this issue amid current negotiations. Pinho assured that the EU and Ukraine are working together to achieve a just and lasting peace for the Ukrainian people.