Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced optimism regarding a significantly revised peace plan aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict. Following high-level discussions in Geneva with the United States and European allies, the previously 28-point US-backed proposal has been streamlined to 19 key points. This modification reportedly involves the removal of several demands seen as overly favorable to Russia.
President Zelenskyy acknowledged the progress made during the Geneva talks, stating that the updated framework presents a more achievable path towards peace. “Today our delegation returned from Geneva after negotiations with the American side and European partners. Now the list of necessary steps to end the war can become doable,” he commented. He highlighted that the reduction in points and the inclusion of crucial elements have made the plan more practical.
The negotiations involved key figures, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, alongside European leaders who advocated for further amendments. Despite welcoming the changes, Zelenskyy stressed that the ultimate goal of a comprehensive peace agreement remains a complex undertaking. “Ukraine will never be an obstacle to peace – this is our principle, a shared principle, and millions of Ukrainians are counting on, and deserve, a dignified peace,” he affirmed. Ukrainian officials are committed to expediting the finalization of the plan, recognizing the vital role of international support and constructive engagement from the US.
Reports indicate that the US exerted pressure on Ukraine to consider its proposals, even as Kyiv expressed reservations about the original plan’s concessions to Moscow. While direct threats regarding aid were not explicit, Ukraine understood the potential implications for continued support. The Geneva meeting saw some easing of this pressure, though the overall drive for an agreement persisted.
Key alterations to the peace framework addressed Ukraine’s primary concerns. European partners were instrumental in removing provisions that could have compelled Ukraine to cede territory in Donbas, restrict its military capabilities, or grant broad amnesty for war crimes. Provisions limiting NATO membership aspirations were also notably absent from the revised draft. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the latest version as “significantly modified,” and indications from former US President Donald Trump suggested an openness to the new direction.
The White House confirmed alignment on most provisions between the Trump administration and Kyiv, although no immediate meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy is scheduled. President Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s unwavering dedication to achieving peace, emphasizing that the objective is a “dignified peace” that upholds the nation’s sovereignty and security.
