Envoys gather in Geneva as Ukraine, Europe and the U.S. debate Trump’s 28-point proposal for ending the war (Photo: File)
US Peace Plan: The gathering in Geneva on Sunday came as European and Ukrainian officials weighed a newly announced 28-point proposal by President Donald Trump to halt the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The timing was particularly sensitive with Kyiv eyeing the Washington plan warily as it considers whether it can truly secure Ukrainian interests. The draft has fueled controversy, but it has also forced open a new diplomatic track in a conflict that otherwise has little prospect of burning itself out.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that pieces of the US proposal might converge with Ukraine's priorities, while he made clear that any deal must ensure national security.
His chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, led the Ukrainian delegation and met with his counterparts from France, the UK and Germany.
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He called the discussions positive, underlining that Kyiv remains committed to seeking a peace framework that is durable, fair and not forced onto Ukraine under pressure.
President Trump has framed his proposal as a step toward ending a war he insists "should never have happened." Speaking to reporters, he reiterated that the plan is not final - implying room for adjustments.
His comments took on a sharper tone when asked how he would respond if Zelensky rejected the deal by Thursday, saying the Ukrainian leader could continue to fight his little heart out. The remark brought into sharp relief the tensions between Washington's political urgency and Kyiv's insistence on sovereignty.
The European leaders have reacted cautiously to the proposal at the recent G20 gathering. While confirming that the draft contains most of the elements of a viable peace, they believed it required significant changes.
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Their approach reflects both diplomatic realism and concern that Kyiv must not be forced into giving in on areas that may undermine its position on the battlefields and at the negotiating table.
In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russia has officially received Trump's plan and expressed support for continuing talks. Analysts remark that the document appears to lean heavily toward Russia's strategic aims, raising concerns that Kyiv may face pressure to accept terms short of its expectations.
As all sides are maneuvering with great caution, Geneva's consultations mark the beginning of what could become a very contentious and protracted negotiation process.
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Disclaimer: This article provides analysis based on available information and should not be considered diplomatic, political or strategic advice.
