European governments including the UK, Germany, and France have joined with Ukraine to propose a counter-plan to Russia’s ceasefire proposal. The plan is intended to serve as a framework for forthcoming talks between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

The counter-proposal was put together after Trump let his deadline for new sanctions against Russia lapse following a meeting between Putin and Steve Witkoff. Trump also agreed to a summit with Putin in Alaska on 15 August. European officials say their goal is to establish a common red line with Ukraine for any negotiations with Russia.

The European plan demands that a ceasefire must take place before any other steps. It also states that any territorial exchange must be reciprocal, requiring Russia to withdraw from some regions if Ukraine does the same. Territorial concessions by Kyiv must also be protected by security guarantees, including potential NATO membership for Ukraine.

The proposal was presented to Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg and Witkoff. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Ukraine’s future cannot be decided without the Ukrainians, and that Europeans will be part of the solution as it concerns their security.

(Source: Wall Street Journal)