The United States and Ukraine announced they have created an “updated and refined peace framework” aimed at ending the war with Russia, modifying an earlier plan drafted during the Trump administration that Kyiv and its allies viewed as too favorable to Moscow.
In a joint statement following talks in Geneva, the two delegations described the discussions as “highly productive” and said further meetings would continue in the coming days. The statement did not provide specifics on unresolved issues, including security guarantees for Ukraine.
The White House said the revised plan strengthens Ukraine’s security and reflects Kyiv’s national interests. Ukrainian officials did not issue a separate statement and were not immediately available for comment. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who led the talks, noted that work remains on key issues, including NATO’s role, but that his team had narrowed down outstanding items in a 28-point peace plan originally championed by former President Donald Trump.
European officials joined the discussions after drafting a modified version of the U.S. plan, which opposes proposed limits on Ukraine’s armed forces and potential territorial concessions. The European proposal suggests Ukraine maintain a larger military than in the U.S. plan and that negotiations over land swaps start from the front line rather than pre-determined territorial proposals.
Trump has stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has until Thursday to approve the plan, which calls for ceding territory, limiting the military, and renouncing NATO ambitions. Many Ukrainians, including frontline soldiers, consider such terms tantamount to capitulation after nearly four years of intense fighting. Trump has stressed the proposal is not a final offer.
Rubio said the U.S. still needs time to resolve remaining issues, expressing hope that a deal could be reached by Thursday, though it may take longer. Reports also suggest Zelenskiy may travel to the U.S. soon to discuss the peace plan with Trump, with a focus on sensitive topics such as territory.
The talks began amid a tense atmosphere after Trump publicly criticized Ukraine’s leadership on social media, claiming they showed “zero gratitude” for U.S. support. Rubio described the discussions as probably the best engagement between the U.S. and Ukraine since Trump returned to office.
Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian delegation, thanked Trump for his commitment to Kyiv, a sentiment echoed by Zelenskiy. Rubio has since returned to Washington.
The U.S. plan’s origins have sparked controversy, with some European allies claiming they were not consulted, and U.S. senators questioning whether it reflects Washington’s official position or Russia’s “wish-list.” Rubio confirmed that Washington authored the plan.
Ukraine faces a precarious situation, with Russian forces making slow territorial gains, despite heavy losses. Key transportation hubs like Pokrovsk have been partially taken, and ongoing attacks on power and gas facilities have left millions without electricity, heating, or water intermittently.
Domestically, Zelenskiy has faced pressure following a corruption scandal involving his ministers and close aides. While recent U.S. sanctions on Russian oil and Ukraine’s long-range attacks have caused damage to Russia’s war funding, the draft peace plan risks shifting diplomatic advantage back to Moscow. Ukraine remains heavily reliant on U.S. intelligence and weaponry to sustain its defense.
