Since the onset of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, the world has witnessed a series of tragic events that have deeply affected both sides. As a peace researcher, I have closely followed this conflict and worked on strategies and solutions that can bring lasting peace to the region.
A successful peace plan requires the involvement of not only the directly involved parties but also international actors such as the USA and Ukraine’s European allies. These parties must collaborate to develop a plan that addresses not only territorial and security issues but also the long-term economic and diplomatic challenges. It is essential that all parties can accept and live with the proposals presented.
Negotiations must take into account the transatlantic cooperation, which has been a cornerstone of international politics for over 80 years. If the USA pressures Ukraine into making significant concessions, it could have far-reaching consequences for transatlantic cooperation. Therefore, a solution must be balanced and fair for all involved parties.
It is also important to understand and acknowledge Russia’s security concerns. Lasting peace requires that Russia receives security guarantees that alleviate their fears of military threats at their borders. This could include the establishment of demilitarized zones and international monitoring mechanisms that ensure transparency and trust between the parties.
Similarly, it is crucial that Ukraine receives effective security guarantees. Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be protected, and the country must be safeguarded against future aggressions. These guarantees could be internationally ratified agreements involving multiple countries and organizations that support Ukraine’s security.
A central component of any peace plan is economic cooperation and trade. Cooperation with Russia is crucial for creating growth and dynamism in Central Europe. Close economic cooperation will promote stability and prosperity in the region and ensure that both Russia and Ukraine can rebuild their economies after the conflict. Trade between Russia, Ukraine, and Europe will be key to revitalizing the economy and creating lasting peace.
In a recently produced film, dated March 5, 2025, I highlight several key points that can serve as inspiration for upcoming peace negotiations. It is important that these points are viewed as part of a holistic approach to conflict resolution.
The proposed peace plan includes several key elements, including the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and ensuring long-term energy security. An effective plan must also take into account the need for justice and accountability by prosecuting war criminals and compensating the victims of the conflict.
To create a stable and peaceful Central Europe, international support is necessary for the reconstruction of Ukraine and ensuring access to food and energy. This will require close cooperation between Russia, Ukraine, and their international partners, including extensive diplomatic efforts and monitoring.
Moreover, lasting peace will require the establishment of structures and institutions capable of handling future conflicts and ensuring that the economic and cultural ties between countries are strengthened. This will include trade agreements, security guarantees, and the protection of minority rights.
Finally, we must remember that diplomacy and negotiations require both heart and mind. It is crucial that the diplomats working on the peace negotiations have a deep understanding of the human consequences of their decisions and work towards a solution that all parties can accept.
The American administration’s approach to the peace negotiations should be carefully balanced to ensure that transatlantic cooperation remains strong. If European allies feel betrayed, it could have serious consequences for several sectors in the USA, including the technology, medical, and aviation industries, as well as the broader economic relationship.
Achieving peace in Central and Eastern Europe will be a challenging journey, but with a balanced and inclusive approach, there is hope that we can achieve a solution that brings stability and prosperity to the region.
After working on strategies and solution proposals since 2022, I see that my role as a peace researcher is now nearing its end. A peace solution that is far from what Ukraine’s European allies desire could have significant consequences for transatlantic cooperation.
The EU, Canada, and the UK hold large amounts of US government bonds. They might reconsider these investments if the USA chooses to take a different path and deprioritize European cooperation. Therefore, it is also in the interest of the USA that the peace agreement, which they, together with other European countries, present to Ukraine and Russia, is in a format that gains acceptance from Ukraine and its allies.
We must hope that we achieve peace and stability in the summer of 2025.
EURUO film 5 mars 2025
Fredsplan 50 – 2025
Selected Points for Peace Draft from EURUO March 5, 2025
This peace plan also aims to create growth, progress, and harmony in a new Europe after normalizing the situation. Healthy economies and interactions between people and countries are the best initiatives to create peace and cohesion in the future.
A peace plan with 50 selected points:
- Establish a negotiation format involving the USA and selected countries.
- Establish a conciliation institution to mediate between Russia and Ukraine.
- Russia must withdraw from the occupied areas in Ukraine and respect Ukraine’s borders.
- Russia is allowed to retain its base on the Crimean Peninsula and enter into an agreement with Ukraine regarding this.
- Russia and Ukraine to develop a plan for coexistence on the Crimean Peninsula.
- Extended autonomy for Donetsk and Luhansk within Ukraine’s borders.
- Russia to establish six centers for trade and cultural exchange in Ukraine.
- Russia to assist in rebuilding these 6 centers in Luhansk, Sevastopol, Mariupol, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
- Russia to send special Governors for trade and culture to these selected cities in Ukraine: Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Donetsk.
- Russia and Ukraine to initiate prisoner exchanges.
- Plan for refugees and the repatriation of Ukrainian citizens who ended up in Russia.
- Formalize the rights of Russian minorities in the EU and Ukraine, including language, culture, and education.
- Possible dual citizenship in selected areas of Ukraine.
- Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to become a demilitarized zone.
- Ukraine to contribute to adequate water supply to Crimea from Kherson.
- The Russian Rosselkhozbank to gain access to the international payment system SWIFT.
- Russian cargo ships to have better access to European ports and the international insurance system.
- Reopen the ammonia gas pipeline.
- Ukraine to regain the ability to export grain.
- The USA and Ukraine to enter into an agreement on mining and energy cooperation.
- The USA to be responsible for the security of the mining operations.
- Maritime mine clearance tasks.
- No foreign troops on Ukrainian soil during peacetime.
- Deploy 50,000 unarmed peace observers in Ukraine.
- Dialogue on future trade policy and interaction in Europe.
- Establish an EU-NATO-Russia council in Finland to address geopolitical issues and future trade and visa policies between Russia, the EU, and the UK.
- Plan for rebuilding Ukraine and financing.
- New security structure in Europe.
- Russia to receive security guarantees at all its European borders.
- New agreement on arms inspections in Europe.
- Demilitarized zones on land, at sea, and in the air at European borders.
- No military exercises near each other’s borders.
- Ukraine to receive strong security guarantees from its allies, which will be internationally ratified.
- Ukraine is free to enter into trade agreements with countries and organizations.
- Energy cooperation between Russia, Europe, and Ukraine to be restored.
- Reestablish Nord Stream 1 and 2.
- Germany and other countries commit to buying energy from Russia again.
- All sanctions against Russian businesses and individuals to be lifted.
- Release of frozen Russian assets.
- Companies that have left Russia commit to reestablishing their business and activities in the country as far as possible.
- Compensation to Ukrainian citizens who have lost property in Crimea.
- Russia to rejoin international payment systems.
- International support for the reconstruction of Ukraine and economic compensation from Russia for war damages.
- Ensure access to food and protect export routes for grain and other foodstuffs.
- Ensure energy security, including the reconstruction of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
- Russia and Ukraine to enter into a trade agreement, including gas supplies from Russia.
- The Kerch Bridge, connecting Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, plays an important role and should be integrated into the traffic system in a way that supports both parties.
- Easing of visa rules for Russian and Ukrainian citizens to the EU and UK.
- The EU to enter into an extended trade agreement with Russia, Ukraine, the UK, and Belarus.
- Establish a Peace Center to coordinate the reconstruction of Ukraine.
This peace plan also builds on the creation of growth, progress, and harmony in a new Europe, once conditions have normalized. Healthy economies and interaction between people and countries are the best initiatives for creating peace and cohesion in the future.
