Europe And Ukraine Prepare New Proposals To End Russia's War

Ukrainian troops managed to break through the Kursk area, Russia. (Wikimedia Commons/Mil.gov.ua)

JAKARTA - European countries are working with Ukraine to submit a new proposal for a ceasefire in Russia's war along the current line of fighting, four European diplomats said.

The proposal incorporates large part of the ideas that have been discussed while urging the United States to continue to play a central role.

A senior European diplomat said the proposal included references to the peace council to be chaired by US President Donald Trump and would oversee the implementation of the proposed plan.

"This is an attempt by national security advisers to maintain US support," the diplomat said.

On Tuesday, European leaders urged Washington to remain steadfast in demanding an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, with the current line of battle as the basis for future negotiations.

The Russian government has long demanded that Ukraine agree to give up more territory before the ceasefire.

About 35 Ukrainian allies will meet on Friday in London to attend summits between countries that are willing to provide long-term support to Kyiv.

There is also the possibility that President Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming weeks.

Three other diplomats also confirmed that proposals were being prepared, with one of the diplomats saying the idea of forming the council would emulate the US 20 points plan in Gaza.

After both sides agreed to a ceasefire, they would then engage in territorial negotiations, but there would be no acknowledgment of Russia's occupied territory as Russian territory, the senior diplomat said.

"This is an effort we also made in May, August. Russia has shown no sign of a change in position," another European diplomat said.

Asked if this was a new boost to the old points, the diplomat said: "I don't know how, yes, with some new elements," but gave no more details.

Diplomats spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of this issue.

Bloomberg News first reported news about the preparation of the new proposal on Tuesday.

The senior diplomat said the idea was generally a reflection of previous proposals put forward by European powers.

As previously proposed, there will be a return of all children deported to Ukraine and a prisoner swap.

The proposal will also call for security guarantees for Ukraine, including ensuring Ukraine has the military as much as possible, as well as financial assistance for reconstruction and a roadmap for Russia's entry into the European Union.

The senior diplomat said the proposal reiterated that EU sanctions against Russia would be lifted in stages as Russia's commitments were fulfilled, but would also drain some of Russia's frozen assets to fund some of its repair payments to Ukraine.