United States and Ukraine Agree on Revised Peace Plan Framework in Geneva
The United States and Ukraine have reached an understanding on a newly revised peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. Following intensive discussions in Geneva, negotiators from both countries reported significant progress, with both parties committing to continue refining the proposal in close cooperation with European partners.
The latest round of talks, described as focused and constructive by officials involved, resulted in the development of an updated draft for a peace agreement. This draft is intended to form the basis for upcoming decisions by US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The delegations emphasized that any future agreement must uphold Ukraine's sovereignty and lay the foundation for a lasting and equitable peace.
According to statements released following the negotiations, the revised plan incorporates enhanced security guarantees for Ukraine. These assurances were developed in response to Ukraine's national priorities and concerns, with Ukrainian representatives expressing appreciation for the ongoing support provided by the United States. The proposal is designed to ensure Ukraine's security, stability, and the groundwork for future reconstruction efforts.
While Ukrainian officials did not issue a separate statement immediately after the talks, President Zelensky characterized the negotiations as positive during a public address. He acknowledged that the US delegation had shown receptiveness to Ukrainian perspectives. Discussions are reportedly underway regarding a potential visit by President Zelensky to Washington in the near future, which would provide an opportunity for direct engagement with President Trump on key aspects of the peace plan. A definitive date for this meeting has yet to be set.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism regarding the ongoing process, highlighting the progress achieved and suggesting that a finalized agreement could be within reach soon. Among the outstanding issues are the future roles of the European Union and NATO, as well as the precise nature of the security guarantees to be extended to Ukraine. Secretary Rubio noted that while challenges remain, none are considered insurmountable, and the proposed plan will be presented to Russian representatives for further deliberation. The objective is to secure a preliminary agreement by the end of the week, according to US officials.
The Ukrainian National Security Council, represented by Rustem Umerov, confirmed that several of Ukraine's key priorities have now been incorporated into the revised plan. This includes provisions related to the size and structure of Ukraine's armed forces, as well as mechanisms for ongoing security cooperation with Western partners.
Meanwhile, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have introduced their own counterproposal to the US-led initiative. The European plan suggests capping Ukraine's peacetime military personnel at 800,000, a figure higher than the 600,000 proposed by the US draft. Additionally, the European proposal calls for negotiations on territorial adjustments based on the current lines of contact, rejecting calls to recognize certain territories as under de facto Russian control.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz commented that these diplomatic efforts could inject new momentum into the peace process and potentially pave the way for a ceasefire in the near future. He expressed hopes that the evolving negotiation positions would be closely coordinated among Ukraine, the US, and European allies, while also encouraging Russian participation in the dialogue.
The ongoing talks in Geneva and the involvement of major international stakeholders underscore the complexity of the peace process, with multiple parties working to reconcile differing priorities and establish a durable framework for peace. As the negotiations progress, further developments are expected as the revised plan is presented to both Ukrainian and Russian leadership for consideration.