President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a Ukrainian diplomatic delegation to Geneva had returned to Kyiv on Monday evening, after negotiations with US and European officials over a US-drafted plan to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Writing on Telegram, Zelensky appeared to corroborate reports that a number of conditions in US President Donald Trump’s original 28-point peace plan had been cut from the draft.
“As of now, after Geneva, there are fewer points – no longer 28 – and many of the right elements have been taken into account in this framework,” he said.
“There is still work for all of us to do together – it is very challenging – to finalize the document, and we must do everything with dignity,” he added.
Zelensky’s statement also seems consistent with reports that some of the red line issues – such as Ukraine ceding its occupied territories and agreeing to forswear NATO membership – have been set aside for direct talks between Zelensky and Trump.
“Our team has already reported today on the new draft of steps, and this is indeed the right approach – I will discuss the sensitive issues with President Trump,” Zelensky wrote.
The president also expressed his gratitude that “most of the world” is ready to support Ukraine and that the US is approaching the negotiations “constructively.”
The Kremlin is less pleased by Europe’s involvement. Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov told Russia’s state media that Europe’s counter-proposal to the original 28-point plan was “entirely unconstructive and unsuitable for us.”
Also on Monday, AFP reported (citing an anonymous senior official) that the US pressed Ukraine to accept its proposals. Although the US reportedly did not threaten Ukraine explicitly with the withdrawal of its support, the Ukrainian delegation is said to have understood that it was a possibility.
“Ukraine will never be an obstacle to peace – this is our principle, a shared principle, and millions of Ukrainians are counting on, and deserve, a dignified peace. We will do everything for this, and we are ready to work as quickly as possible,” Zelensky’s statement concluded.