Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed cautious optimism following significant revisions to a US-backed peace plan aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia. After intensive negotiations in Geneva involving the United States and European nations, the original 28-point proposal has been narrowed down to 19 key points, reportedly excluding several of Russia’s most demanding terms.
“Now the list of necessary steps to end the war can become doable,” Zelenskyy announced, noting that the revised plan takes into account many crucial elements. He described the outcome of the Geneva talks, led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, alongside European leaders, as a positive step. The reduction from 28 to 19 points signifies a more practical approach to achieving peace.
While acknowledging the progress, President Zelenskyy underscored the challenges ahead in finalizing a comprehensive peace treaty. He reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to the peace process, stating, “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 assured that Ukrainian officials would work diligently to complete the plan, highlighting the indispensable role of international backing and constructive dialogue with the US.
Reports indicate that the United States had urged Ukraine to accept its initial proposals, even when Kyiv felt they conceded too much to Moscow. While no explicit threats were made regarding military aid, Ukraine recognized the potential risks to continued support. The pressure to reach an agreement remained high, although it eased somewhat during the Geneva discussions.
The revised peace framework notably addresses Ukraine’s primary concerns. With crucial input from European leaders, provisions that would have mandated territorial concessions in Donbas, restricted Ukraine’s armed forces, or granted blanket amnesty for Russian war crimes were removed. The exclusion of language that could have barred NATO membership was also a significant development. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the updated draft “significantly modified,” and former US President Donald Trump indicated a willingness to consider the new direction.
The White House confirmed that consensus has been reached on most aspects of the US plan between the Trump administration and Kyiv. Currently, there are no immediate plans for a meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy. President Zelenskyy reaffirmed his determination to pursue peace and work swiftly toward a “dignified peace” that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
