On Sunday, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism as key US, Ukrainian, and European officials are convening in Geneva. They are aiming to discuss effective strategies to help bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Zelensky noted the proactive stance of his team, which has maintained close communication with their American counterparts. This gathering takes place as allies rally to respond to the Trump administration’s 28-point plan, which has been met with criticism for potentially giving in to many of Russia’s demands.
According to the plan, President Trump has urged Ukraine to make a decision by Thursday—forcing Kyiv to consider contentious conditions such as territory concessions, military size limitations, and a commitment to resist NATO membership—all of which align with Moscow’s longstanding requests.
During a recent gathering of Western and European leaders on the fringes of the G20 summit in South Africa, attendees welcomed the surge of diplomatic activity while raising alarms about the harsh nature of the proposal. They labeled it merely as an “initial draft” requiring considerably more refinement.
“It’s paramount that borders remain unchanged through military means,” the statement emphasized, voicing trepidation towards the imposed limits on Ukraine’s military capabilities that could expose the nation to future threats.
When asked by CNN whether Ukraine might decline the US offer, Andriy Yermak, Ukraine’s chief of staff, conveyed their readiness for a collaborative dialogue with American representatives during their upcoming meeting.
Trump, however, fueled uncertainty on his plan’s timing, stating on the White House lawn that his proposal was not a “final offer.”
In response to CNN’s inquiries regarding the potential fallout if Zelensky doesn’t comply with the Thursday deadline, Trump simply said, “He can continue to fight his little heart out.”
Yermak revealed that the Ukrainian delegation has already conferred with officials from key European nations such as the UK, Germany, and France. They are preparing to engage with the US team next.
Nevertheless, a Western diplomat shared with CNN concerns about the likelihood of a cooperative meeting, suggesting that the US might limit the involvement of European stakeholders in discussions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s ambassador Steve Witkoff are expected to participate in the negotiations on Sunday, with aims to refine critical terms before Zelensky’s direct meetings with Trump.
One European diplomat articulated that any forthcoming agreement “must not acknowledge occupation.” The contact line is viewed as a key starting point for potential resolutions.
“Ukraine shouldn’t face restrictions on alliances, military sizes, or have Russia’s stipulations pushed into European security matters,” the diplomat stated.
There’s also a fast-tracked plan for a meeting between US and Russian representatives to discuss the proposal, though this talk won’t be held in Geneva. President Putin has previously mentioned that he views the US plan as a possible cornerstone for a comprehensive peace agreement.
These discussions happening in Switzerland lead up to a future meeting among EU leaders happening on Monday, as announced by European Council President António Costa.
With a hectic diplomatic schedule ahead, French President Emmanuel Macron indicated that the 30 countries part of the cooperative alliance supporting Ukraine will hold an online meeting on Tuesday.
Reporting contributions were made by CNN’s Sophie Tanno, Nick Paton Walsh, Jennifer Hansler, Kit Maher, and Matthew Chance.
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