The United States and Russia are laying early groundwork for potential talks on President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine, but any meeting remains dependent on whether Kiev signals readiness to discuss the terms. The New York Times reported that diplomatic efforts are underway to establish a bilateral meeting between the U.S. and Russia to review Trump’s 28-point proposal, which the White House believes could form the basis for ending the war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin previously described the plan as a possible foundation for negotiations, though the Kremlin has so far declined to publicly confirm any forthcoming meeting. Russian officials have also indicated that they will not commit to further discussions unless Ukraine signals at least partial acceptance of the framework.
On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff led an American delegation to Geneva, where they met with representatives from the UK, Germany, France, and a Ukrainian team led by Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. Public statements from all parties emphasized progress, but media reports noted the meeting was tense. Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Secretary, Rustem Umerov, reportedly broke a pen during the discussions, a moment that circulated widely online.
A follow-up meeting between Washington and Moscow will depend heavily on Kiev's stance. Neither Zelensky nor European leaders have endorsed Trump’s proposal, and instead have suggested revisions. European governments are said to be encouraging Zelensky to submit a formal counterproposal, which he reportedly attempted last week in Ankara. That move led Witkoff to cancel a previously scheduled meeting, a development reminiscent of an episode in April when Zelensky’s rejection of an earlier Trump ceasefire proposal prompted Moscow to cancel talks with Witkoff altogether.
The renewed diplomatic push has not altered the battlefield situation, which continues to deteriorate for Ukraine. Russian media claimed Sunday that Russian forces had entered Huliaipole, a key stronghold in the Zaporizhia region since early 2022. If confirmed, the loss of the city would mark another significant setback for Ukraine and add urgency to Washington’s push for negotiations.