Geneva Talks Begin as US, Ukraine, and European Allies Scrutinize Trump’s Ukraine Peace Plan
High-level negotiations have commenced in Geneva, bringing together US, Ukrainian, and European officials to discuss President Donald Trump’s controversial 28-point proposal aimed at ending the nearly four-year war between Ukraine and Russia. The talks mark a critical juncture in international diplomacy, as Western allies seek to influence the terms of a peace deal that has drawn sharp criticism for its perceived concessions to Moscow.
President Trump has given Ukraine less than a week to approve the plan, which reportedly calls for Ukraine to cede territory, reduce its military, and pledge never to join NATO. The deadline has intensified pressure on Kyiv and its allies, who argue that the proposal, drafted unilaterally by the US, requires significant revisions before it can be considered viable.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed a delegation to review the plan and represent Ukraine’s interests in the Geneva talks. “This is another stage of the dialogue that has been ongoing in recent days and is primarily aimed at aligning our vision for the next steps,” said Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s Security Council and a member of the negotiating team. He emphasized that Ukraine’s position has not yet been fully integrated into the negotiations, and that the upcoming discussions are crucial for shaping a more balanced agreement.
European leaders, who were not consulted during the drafting of the US plan, have voiced strong concerns about its terms. At the recent G20 summit in Johannesburg, European allies scrambled to formulate a counteroffer designed to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position. Officials from the UK, Germany, France, and other key partners have stressed that the current proposal is only a starting point and that “additional work” is needed to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and security are protected.
“The fact that President Trump is saying there is room for negotiations, that this is not the final plan, suggests there is still some flexibility,” noted a European diplomat familiar with the talks. “But the window for meaningful changes is narrow, and the pressure is mounting as the deadline approaches.”
The Geneva meeting is expected to serve as a platform for Ukraine to formally present its concerns and for Western allies to coordinate their response. The talks may also address the possibility of including Russian representatives, though there has been no official confirmation from Moscow regarding its participation.
Analysts warn that the outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching implications for the future of Ukraine and the broader European security landscape. If the plan is accepted in its current form, it could undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity and strategic autonomy. However, if Western allies succeed in pushing for significant amendments, the revised agreement could offer a more sustainable path toward peace.
“The aim now is to try and improve the terms of this deal,” said a senior European official. “As we speak, the prime minister is meeting with G7 countries here at the G20 summit to coordinate our approach. The stakes could not be higher.”
The Geneva talks are set to continue over the coming days, with further consultations expected between senior officials from Ukraine, the US, and European nations. The international community will be closely watching for signs of progress as the deadline for Ukraine’s decision looms.