GENEVA — High-level officials from Ukraine, the United States, and Europe gathered in Geneva on Sunday to discuss Washington’s proposed peace plan to end the war in Ukraine — a plan many fear gives Russia everything it wants.
But even before the talks began, tensions were already high.
US President Donald Trump, champion of the 28-point proposal, took to social media accusing Ukraine of showing “zero gratitude” for Washington’s efforts. This came despite the steady stream of US weapons flowing to Kyiv through NATO, while Europe continues to buy Russian oil.
Trump had earlier given Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy until Thursday to accept the US proposal — a plan that demands Ukraine surrender territory, limit its military capabilities, and abandon its hope of joining NATO.
For many Ukrainians, especially those fighting and dying on the front lines, these terms feel like betrayal — even surrender — after nearly four years of Europe’s bloodiest war since World War II.
Trump later said the plan was not his final offer, but the damage was done. Confusion spread quickly about who helped craft the proposal, as European allies insisted they were never consulted.
A Stiff Meeting in Geneva
Led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the US delegation met with Ukrainian officials in what sources described as a “cold” and “stiff” atmosphere. The meeting began just hours after Trump publicly complained again that Kyiv was ungrateful and Europe continued to financially fuel Russia through oil purchases.
European leaders, puzzled by the plan’s origins, scrambled to make sense of it.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the goal was to craft a peace plan Ukraine could actually accept — not one that hands victory to Moscow.
“I’m not convinced we’ll get the solution President Trump wants in the next few days,” Merz admitted at a G20 gathering in Johannesburg.
Rubio pushed back against critics, insisting Washington authored the plan after US senators questioned whether it reflected American interests—or Russia’s.
Senator Angus King said Rubio had told lawmakers the plan looked like the “wish-list of the Russians.”
A modified European version of the plan has since surfaced, rejecting key points involving military limits and territorial concessions.
A Crucial and Dangerous Time for Ukraine
The timing of the draft plan could not be more precarious.
Ukraine is stretched thin as Russian forces slowly inch forward in parts of the front. The critical transport hub of Pokrovsk has partially fallen, and commanders say troop shortages are making it difficult to repel constant Russian incursions.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian infrastructure is being battered. Drone and missile strikes have left millions enduring hours without water, heat, or electricity.
Zelenskiy himself is under pressure at home following a major corruption scandal involving officials close to him.
He warned that accepting the US plan could cost Ukraine not just territory, but its dignity, freedom, and even American support.
Diplomacy or Advantage for Russia?
Despite everything, Zelenskiy welcomed the Geneva talks, hoping they could lead to something meaningful. Ukraine had been encouraged by Washington’s tougher sanctions on Russia’s oil industry and its own successful long-range strikes on Russian fuel infrastructure.
But the draft peace plan risks shifting momentum back to Moscow. Ukraine relies heavily on US intelligence, weapons, and diplomatic cover to stand against Russia.
Still, US officials say nothing will be finalized until Trump and Zelenskiy meet face-to-face.
Europe Pushes Its Own Adjustments
US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff joined the discussions, while Ukraine’s delegation was led by Andriy Yermak, head of the presidential office.
Yermak held talks with security advisers from Britain, France, and Germany before meeting the US. European leaders say Washington’s proposal is a basis for negotiation—but needs “significant additional work.”
Turkey has also stepped in. President Tayyip Erdogan said he would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin and share the results with Western allies.
Putin himself called the US plan a potential basis for peace — but analysts warn Moscow may still reject parts requiring its troops to withdraw from areas they’ve seized.
