Leaked European Plan for Ukraine: No Limits on Armed Forces, NATO Path Kept, Calls for Immediate Ceasefire

Overview

A leaked European peace proposal for Ukraine presents a markedly different approach from a controversial 28-point US-backed document. The European draft emphasizes stronger protections for Ukraine’s sovereignty, rejects restrictions on its military, and seeks legally binding security guarantees while calling for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire.

Key elements of the European proposal

No limits on Ukraine's armed forces. The plan explicitly states there should be "no restriction" on the size of the Ukrainian military.

NATO accession left to alliance consensus. Rather than banning Ukraine from joining NATO, the draft says membership would be determined by the alliance through normal consensus procedures — a point likely to provoke objections from Moscow.

No forced neutrality; freedom to invite friendly forces. Kyiv would not be compelled to adopt neutrality and could invite "friendly forces" to operate on its territory, including under a possible "coalition of the willing" arrangement proposed earlier this year by political leaders in Europe.

Immediate, unconditional ceasefire and monitoring. The European plan calls for a ceasefire that would effectively freeze current front lines, with monitoring provided by the United States and European partners.

Legally binding security guarantees. It promises robust, legally binding security guarantees — including commitments from the United States — intended to deter future aggression.

Sanctions conditional and reversible. Sanctions relief would be gradual and contingent on Moscow’s compliance with the peace framework. If the ceasefire is violated, sanctions would automatically "snap back" into force.

Reconstruction and compensation. The draft envisages full reconstruction and financial compensation for Ukraine, including the use of frozen Russian sovereign assets that would remain locked until Moscow pays for the damage caused.

Territorial and infrastructure provisions. Under the proposal, Ukraine would regain control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the Kakhovka Dam, and would be guaranteed unhindered passages on the Dnieper River.

How it contrasts with the US-backed framework

The US-Russian framework — a 28-point document drafted by a US special envoy and a Russian official — has been characterized as far more conciliatory toward Moscow. That plan has provisions interpreted as demanding immediate territorial exchanges that could cede mineral-rich, fortified areas in eastern Donbas to Russia, a path many critics say would be deeply disadvantageous to Ukraine. It also discusses lifting sanctions and expanding long-term commercial ties with Russia, and suggests flexible language on future NATO expansion.

"This plan was agreed between European and Ukrainian representatives in the autumn, when we learned other parties were preparing their own proposals," a senior Western official said, adding that it is the version Europe and Kyiv plan to take into talks at an emergency Geneva summit.

Implications

The European draft aims to preserve Ukraine’s sovereign choices, reinforce its security with binding guarantees, and condition any easing of pressure on Russia on verifiable compliance. If adopted in negotiations, it would represent a significant divergence from proposals that prioritize territorial concessions or broad reconciliation measures absent strong safeguards for Ukraine.