US President Donald Trump's long-awaited 28-point peace plan aimed at ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has sent shockwaves throughout Kyiv, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressing deep reservations about the proposal. The plan, which would see Ukraine cede territory to Moscow in exchange for a potential permanent deal with Russia, has raised serious concerns among Ukraine's European allies.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Trump's administration had initially set a November 27 deadline for Ukraine to accept the peace plan, but after pushback from European leaders, Washington appears to have softened its stance. The US President claimed that the plan was not a "final offer" for Ukraine, leaving room for further negotiation and potentially paving the way for a more collaborative approach.
However, many in Europe remain skeptical about Trump's intentions, viewing the 28-point plan as an attempt by Moscow to gain territory at the expense of Ukraine. European leaders have expressed concerns that the proposal would not address Ukraine's security concerns, and some have questioned whether it truly represents a "peace" plan or simply a capitulation to Russian demands.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that any peace plan must ensure Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that Russia cannot be rewarded with territory for invading Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron has also expressed concerns about the proposal, stating that it requires "additional work" to strengthen its elements.
Ukrainian officials, including presidential office chief Andriy Yermak and top envoy Rustem Umerov, have been empowered to deal directly with Russia by the president and will be participating in the Geneva talks alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. National security advisers from the E3 alliance, as well as officials from the European Union, Italy, and other countries, are also expected to join the discussions.
The talks, which could potentially provide a decisive moment for Ukraine, aim to reconcile the contentious draft peace plan with Kyiv's long-term security interests. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has emphasized the need for a "constructive" approach, stating that his country will continue to work towards achieving a real and lasting peace.
While some in Washington appear to believe that Trump's peace plan could lay the foundation for a final settlement, many others are skeptical about its prospects. With US Vice President JD Vance warning that any failure to achieve success would be due to "failed diplomats or politicians living in a fantasy land," it remains to be seen whether Trump's team will be able to broker a breakthrough in Geneva.
One thing is certain: Ukraine's fate hangs precariously in the balance, and the outcome of these high-stakes talks could have far-reaching consequences for the region.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Trump's administration had initially set a November 27 deadline for Ukraine to accept the peace plan, but after pushback from European leaders, Washington appears to have softened its stance. The US President claimed that the plan was not a "final offer" for Ukraine, leaving room for further negotiation and potentially paving the way for a more collaborative approach.
However, many in Europe remain skeptical about Trump's intentions, viewing the 28-point plan as an attempt by Moscow to gain territory at the expense of Ukraine. European leaders have expressed concerns that the proposal would not address Ukraine's security concerns, and some have questioned whether it truly represents a "peace" plan or simply a capitulation to Russian demands.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that any peace plan must ensure Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that Russia cannot be rewarded with territory for invading Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron has also expressed concerns about the proposal, stating that it requires "additional work" to strengthen its elements.
Ukrainian officials, including presidential office chief Andriy Yermak and top envoy Rustem Umerov, have been empowered to deal directly with Russia by the president and will be participating in the Geneva talks alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. National security advisers from the E3 alliance, as well as officials from the European Union, Italy, and other countries, are also expected to join the discussions.
The talks, which could potentially provide a decisive moment for Ukraine, aim to reconcile the contentious draft peace plan with Kyiv's long-term security interests. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has emphasized the need for a "constructive" approach, stating that his country will continue to work towards achieving a real and lasting peace.
While some in Washington appear to believe that Trump's peace plan could lay the foundation for a final settlement, many others are skeptical about its prospects. With US Vice President JD Vance warning that any failure to achieve success would be due to "failed diplomats or politicians living in a fantasy land," it remains to be seen whether Trump's team will be able to broker a breakthrough in Geneva.
One thing is certain: Ukraine's fate hangs precariously in the balance, and the outcome of these high-stakes talks could have far-reaching consequences for the region.