Newspaper: Germany was aware of US peace plan for Ukraine since October

Contrary to some public statements, German authorities have been aware of the U.S. administration’s new peace plan for Ukraine since the end of October.

According to the Berliner Zeitung, which cited its own sources, Germany’s security agencies advising the chancellor on geopolitical matters “were informed as early as October 29.” The publication added that “German intelligence agencies knew the plan’s details, and the National Security Council discussed it on November 11.”

The draft plan was officially sent to the Federal Chancellor’s Office on November 4 through secure channels. Berliner Zeitung noted that this was accompanied by indications that negotiations were already underway to gradually resolve the conflict.

Ahead of his flight to the G20 summit in South Africa, Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke directly with U.S. President Donald Trump about the 28-point U.S. plan to end the war in Ukraine. Both leaders agreed that a negotiation process would involve the United States and European countries, which spent much of Friday consulting internally.

These European consultations resulted in a counter-proposal, which, along with the U.S. plan, will now be reviewed by senior negotiators from both sides. European leaders hope to negotiate adjustments to key elements of the U.S. framework that could affect not only Ukraine’s future but the broader European security architecture.

Key elements of the U.S. 28-point plan

The proposed framework covers military arrangements, economic recovery, Ukraine’s reconstruction, Russia’s international role, energy policy, and oversight of strategic facilities. Key provisions include:

• Security and NATO: Ukraine would receive formal U.S. security guarantees, ensuring its sovereignty but would need to amend its constitution to permanently renounce NATO membership. NATO, in turn, would agree not to deploy troops on Ukrainian territory.

• Military Limits: The plan imposes restrictions on the size and capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and reaffirms Ukraine’s status as a non-nuclear state.

• Territorial Issues: Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk would be recognised de facto as Russian-controlled. Kherson and Zaporizhzhia would become “frozen” conflict zones, aligned with the current lines of contact, while certain areas would be designated as demilitarised buffer zones under Russian supervision. Both countries would commit not to change borders by force.

• U.S.–Russia Cooperation: The plan calls for a U.S.–Russia working group and a formal Russian pledge of non-aggression toward Ukraine and Europe.

• Economic and Reconstruction Measures: A substantial U.S.–EU investment package would support Ukraine’s reconstruction. Sanctions on Russia would be gradually lifted, Russia’s G8 membership restored, and long-term U.S.–Russia economic initiatives pursued.

• Domestic Ukrainian Measures: Nationwide elections in Ukraine would take place within 100 days of signing, and a full amnesty would be granted to all participants in the conflict. Oversight of implementation would be managed by a “Peace Council” chaired by former President Donald Trump. Immediate ceasefire measures and withdrawal to agreed positions would take effect upon signing.

The coming days are critical, not only for Kyiv but for the European continent, as negotiations on these two competing plans will shape both Ukraine’s future and the wider regional security landscape.

By Tamilla Hasanova