Hope for an end to the conflict has been bolstered by a revised peace plan, reduced from 28 to 19 points, following crucial negotiations in Geneva between Ukrainian officials, the United States, and European partners. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conveyed cautious optimism about the updated US-backed framework, which reportedly discards several hardline Russian demands.
“Now the list of necessary steps to end the war can become doable,” President Zelenskyy stated, reflecting on the productive discussions. He noted that the revised 19-point plan, discussed by his delegation upon returning from Geneva, incorporates more realistic and essential elements. The talks were co-led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, with significant contributions from European leaders who pushed for key modifications.
While welcoming the amendments, Zelenskyy stressed that achieving a final, all-encompassing peace agreement is a formidable task. He reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to peace, asserting, “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 pledged that Ukrainian representatives would prioritize finalizing the plan, emphasizing the indispensable nature of global solidarity and active US engagement.
It has been reported that the US exerted pressure on Ukraine to consider its initial proposals, despite Kyiv’s objections that the plan was too accommodating to Moscow. While direct threats to aid were not made, Ukraine recognized that rejecting the plan could jeopardize its support. The pressure to finalize an agreement remained substantial, even as direct discussions in Geneva saw some moderation.
Key provisions of the revised plan address Ukraine’s primary concerns. European leaders were instrumental in removing clauses that could have forced territorial concessions in Donbas, limited military capabilities, or provided blanket amnesty for war crimes. The exclusion of language that would have impeded NATO membership aspirations was also a significant outcome. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the latest draft as “significantly modified,” and former US President Donald Trump signaled a potential openness to the new direction.
The White House has confirmed that the Trump administration and Kyiv have agreed on most provisions within the US plan. A meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy is not currently scheduled. President Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s dedication to peace and its readiness to work expeditiously to achieve a “dignified peace” that safeguards the nation’s sovereignty and security.