Russian-penned peace plan faces backlash as Europe demands ceasefire, tougher terms

The plan, expected to be presented to the U.S. delegation during negotiations in Geneva, would also demand NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine and the use of frozen Russian assets to fund reconstruction and compensation for war-related damage. Sources speaking to Bloomberg said the security guarantees sought by Kyiv and its allies would mirror NATO’s Article 5 mutual defense clause.

“The counter-proposal demands an immediate ceasefire as a precondition for any future negotiations over territorial matters,” one source told Bloomberg, adding that European leaders firmly rejected Russian demands for Ukraine to hand over territory it currently controls in the east.

The revised plan reportedly includes a phased approach to sanctions relief. Russia would be allowed to gradually reenter the global economy — but only if it complies with the terms of the deal. The counterproposal also says Russia’s frozen sovereign assets would remain inaccessible unless the Kremlin agrees to pay for the damage it has caused.

Bloomberg’s reporting came as delegations from the United States, Ukraine, and key European countries met in Geneva to review U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace initiative. Trump, who is pushing for a rapid settlement to the war, has faced growing pushback from allies concerned his proposal tilts too far in Russia’s favor.

On Nov. 22, the leaders of the EU, the United Kingdom, Norway and Japan issued a joint statement warning against any agreement that would impose restrictions on the size or structure of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. According to The Washington Post, European negotiators have inserted language into the proposal clarifying that no such limitations would apply.

Their revisions also include provisions for restoring Ukrainian control over the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant and the Kakhovka Dam, ensuring free navigation along the Dnipro River, and returning the Kinburn Spit to Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the talks in Geneva were underway on Nov. 23 and said the diplomatic push was welcome.

“Right now, teams are meeting in Switzerland to work on steps toward ending the war,” Zelenskyy said in a statement. “It’s good that diplomacy is active and that the conversation may be constructive. The Ukrainian and American teams, and the teams of our European partners, are in close contact — and I very much hope there will be results.”

He later added that initial reports from the Geneva meetings had already come in and were encouraging. According to Zelenskyy, there is an understanding that the U.S. proposals “may incorporate a number of elements rooted in Ukraine’s vision and critically important to Ukraine’s national interests.”