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US and Ukraine Collaborate on Enhanced Peace Proposal Amid Ongoing Negotiations
Representatives from the United States and Ukraine have jointly developed a revised and more detailed peace framework, committing to continue intensive discussions in the coming days to refine the plan further. This announcement followed a series of productive talks held in Geneva, supported by the US government.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted significant advancements in shaping the US-backed peace initiative, though he emphasized that additional efforts are necessary before presenting a finalized agreement to Russia. The initial version of the plan, which surfaced through leaks last week, received a lukewarm response from Moscow but faced criticism from Kyiv and European capitals for appearing overly accommodating to Russian demands.
Mixed Reactions and Strategic Positions from Key Stakeholders
On Monday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow had yet to receive any official updates regarding the outcomes of the US-Ukraine discussions in Geneva. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed cautious optimism, noting indications that the Trump administration is attentive to Ukraine’s concerns.
Addressing the Swedish parliament, Zelensky underscored the gravity of the moment for Ukraine, warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks formal acknowledgment of territorial acquisitions, thereby undermining the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stressed that Putin’s demands extend beyond Ukraine, aiming for global acceptance of these changes.
Zelensky also revealed that critical issues, such as the release of all Ukrainian prisoners of war, remain central to the negotiations, signaling ongoing efforts to secure a comprehensive and lasting peace.
Progress and Challenges in Geneva Talks
Rubio described the Geneva sessions as highly productive, with negotiators making substantial headway in narrowing unresolved points within the 28-item US peace proposal. However, he clarified that any final accord would require approval from both the US and Ukrainian presidents before being presented to Russia, as several contentious topics remain under discussion.
These positive developments emerged shortly after President Trump criticized Ukrainian officials for what he perceived as a lack of appreciation for US mediation efforts. Trump also highlighted Europe’s continued purchase of Russian oil, a critical revenue source that sustains Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine.
European leaders acknowledged the progress made but emphasized the necessity for further dialogue. Finnish President Alexander Stubb, after speaking with Zelensky, noted that while the negotiations marked a step forward, significant issues still need resolution. He also affirmed that decisions within the EU and NATO’s jurisdiction would be addressed through separate channels.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the talks as a pivotal success for Europe, particularly because matters concerning European and NATO interests were excluded from the peace plan. He reiterated that any agreement must respect the sovereignty of European nations and Ukraine, avoiding decisions imposed without their consent.
Alternative Peace Proposals and Leaked Plan Details
Reports from various media outlets, including Reuters, have surfaced regarding an alternative peace proposal crafted by Kyiv’s European allies, led by the UK, France, and Germany. Although the BBC has not independently verified this plan, US officials, including Rubio, have denied knowledge of its existence.
While the full US-backed draft remains unpublished, leaked information reveals several contentious elements. These include Ukraine’s potential withdrawal from certain areas of the eastern Donetsk region currently under its control, and international acknowledgment of Russian dominance over Donetsk, Luhansk, and the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia in 2014.
The proposal also suggests freezing the borders of Ukraine’s southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions along existing frontlines and reducing Ukraine’s military personnel from approximately 880,000 to 600,000. A critical component is Ukraine’s commitment to forgo NATO membership, instead receiving unspecified “reliable security guarantees.” The document anticipates that Russia will refrain from further invasions and that NATO expansion will halt.
Additionally, the plan envisions Russia’s reintegration into the global economy through the lifting of sanctions and its readmission to the G7, restoring the group to the G8 format.
Timelines, Political Dynamics, and Controversies Surrounding the Peace Plan
President Trump initially set a deadline for Ukraine to accept the proposals by the following Thursday but later clarified that the draft was not a final offer, responding to concerns from Ukraine’s allies. Rubio expressed optimism about reaching an agreement soon, whether by the proposed deadline or shortly thereafter.
Prior to the Geneva talks, the US State Department and Rubio asserted that the leaked plan was authored by the United States, incorporating input from both Moscow and Kyiv. This contradicted claims from a bipartisan group of US senators who alleged that Rubio had described the draft as a Russian initiative not reflecting the Trump administration’s stance. The State Department dismissed these claims as “blatantly false.”
