Ukraine and the U.S. revise a disputed peace plan as allies prepare for a key meeting to resolve divisions over security guarantees and war-ending terms.
Allies to Meet as Ukraine, U.S. Rework Peace Framework
Tensions Surface Over Initial Proposal
Ukraine and the United States have begun reshaping a contentious peace proposal after Kyiv and several European partners objected to elements they viewed as favouring Russia. Talks in Geneva on Sunday produced what both sides described as a “refined peace framework,” though neither government disclosed details. The revisions come after Washington introduced a 28-point plan last week that surprised Ukraine and its allies, setting a Thursday deadline for Kyiv to respond.
Delegation Returns as Concerns Mount
Ukraine’s negotiating team returned home Monday to brief President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following the first round of discussions. Key unresolved issues include long-term security guarantees and how reconstruction would be funded if a deal is reached. Addressing a separate summit of partner nations in Sweden, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine continues working with the U.S. and Europe to reach compromises that “strengthen but do not weaken” the country.
Push for Accountability and Security
Zelenskyy repeated that Moscow must bear financial responsibility for the destruction caused by the war and urged allied nations to unlock frozen Russian assets. He warned that the conflict is at a “critical moment,” and said any agreement must provide real protection against future aggression. European Commission officials confirmed that leaders from the so-called “coalition of the willing,” which includes Canada, will meet virtually Tuesday to review the status of the talks.
UK Confirms Meeting Amid Diplomatic Strains
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said European partners remain focused on securing a “just and lasting peace,” acknowledging there has been “progress” but “more work to do.” The meeting follows concerns among European governments that the evolving U.S. plan could force Ukraine to make unwelcome concessions, particularly on territory and military capacity.
Pressure from Washington Continues
U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Ukraine to move quickly toward an agreement, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Thursday deadline may be flexible. Zelenskyy is expected to travel to the U.S. this week to discuss the most sensitive provisions directly. Trump reignited tensions Sunday by criticizing what he called a lack of appreciation from Ukraine’s leadership, echoing past disputes that strained relations during his first term.
Controversial Origins of Initial Plan
The original U.S. draft was reportedly developed during a private meeting in Miami involving Trump-aligned figures and sanctioned Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev. Democratic lawmakers criticized the proposal as reflecting Russian demands—including territorial concessions and limits on Ukraine’s NATO ambitions—claims the U.S. negotiators have rejected. In response, European partners released a counter-proposal offering stronger security guarantees and fewer territorial compromises.
Russia Awaits Official Briefing
Moscow said it had received no formal information on the Geneva discussions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed media reports suggesting the revised plan might allow Ukraine to pursue NATO membership in the future, calling the matter “too complex” for speculation.
War Intensifies as Diplomacy Evolves
As negotiations continue, fighting remains active across several regions. Russia claimed advances in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk, though the reports could not be independently verified. In Moscow, airports temporarily halted traffic after a Ukrainian drone was intercepted Monday, according to city officials. Meanwhile in Kharkiv, a major drone strike over the weekend killed at least four people, underscoring the urgent need for a viable path to de-escalation.
