Donald Trump hosts a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Cabinet Room of the White House on October 17, 2025. [Daniel Torok/The White House]
Russia Ukraine War

U.S. and Allies Discuss Revisions to Ukraine Peace Plan Amid Tensions

Negotiations in Geneva seek to address concerns over Trump's proposal

Naffah

Top Ukrainian and European officials gathered in Geneva on Sunday to discuss a U.S.-proposed peace plan aimed at ending Russia's war in Ukraine, which has raised significant concerns in Kyiv and European capitals.

The 28-point blueprint, presented by Washington, includes elements seen as concessions to Moscow, such as territorial cessions, military limitations on Ukraine, and renouncing NATO ambitions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized the need for the plan to align with Ukraine's national interests, while allies have rallied to push for revisions.

Ahead of talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian delegation head Andrii Yermak met with national security advisers from the U.K., France, and Germany.

Yermak described the mood as constructive, focusing on achieving a lasting and just peace.

President Donald Trump posted online criticizing Ukraine for showing zero gratitude for U.S. military aid and faulting Europe for continuing to buy Russian oil.

In response, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for U.S. efforts and Trump's leadership on security.

Rustem Umerov, a Ukrainian delegate, noted that the proposals include many Ukrainian priorities and appreciated close collaboration with American partners.

French official Alice Rufo highlighted concerns over restrictions on Ukraine's army, stressing the need for Ukraine to defend its sovereignty.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for clarity on the plan's authorship.

Some U.S. lawmakers reported Rubio describing it as a Russian wish list, though the State Department denied this, and Rubio suggested the senators were mistaken.

Senator Mark Warner called the plan a series of Russian talking points, expressing hope for a more reasonable approach.

Ongoing Talks and Broader Efforts

Rubio, joined by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and special envoy Steve Witkoff, interrupted the meeting to tell reporters that discussions were progressing well and changes would be made.

He indicated confidence in reaching a solution comfortable for both sides, pending presidential approval.

Trump stated the proposal is not his final offer and reiterated that the war should have ended long ago.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking from a G20 meeting, expressed doubt about achieving Trump's desired solution quickly but aimed for a plan acceptable to Ukraine for negotiations with Russia.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss reviving a Black Sea grain export deal.

The original agreement, from July 2022, lapsed the following year when Russia declined to extend it.

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