European leaders successfully pushed back against key elements of a US-Russia peace proposal for Ukraine during high-stakes negotiations in Geneva, marking a shift from the harder line previously presented by Washington. After days of diplomatic tension, the United States signaled openness to revisions, easing pressure on Kyiv and its European allies.
Background: A Controversial Peace Plan
The Trump administration recently presented a 28-point ceasefire and peace plan drawn up in consultation with Russia. The document included provisions that both Kyiv and several European capitals had already rejected, prompting unusually direct criticism from Ukraine’s partners.
Ahead of the Geneva talks, 12 allied countries issued a statement describing the US proposal as a “draft… which will require additional work”, challenging Washington’s initial push for quick acceptance.
A Chaotic Beginning, a Shift in Tone
The negotiations began on a tense note. President Donald Trump berated Ukrainian and European representatives for not supporting his plan and accused them of taking US backing for granted.
But by the end of the day, the tone had changed dramatically.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio said a “tremendous” amount of progress had been made and expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached within a “reasonable period of time.”
Europe’s Red Lines — and a US Concession
European officials arrived in Geneva with three non-negotiable demands:
- No forced territorial concessions by Ukraine beyond areas currently under Russian occupation.
- No limits on Ukraine’s future armed forces that would undermine its ability to defend itself.
- EU involvement and veto power over issues that directly affect Europe, including sanctions on Russia and the handling of frozen Russian assets.
For the first time in nearly four years of conflict, the United States acknowledged the third point.
Rubio confirmed that any provisions affecting Europe or NATO would be placed on a “separate track”, requiring EU input before finalization.
Difficult Decisions Ahead for Kyiv
While European negotiators considered the Geneva outcome a diplomatic success, significant challenges remain. Ukraine will still be required to make difficult choices on some of the most sensitive elements of the peace plan.
European diplomats said the priority moving forward was unity among EU member states on Ukraine, especially amid political unpredictability in Washington.
Rubio cautioned that the process was far from over:
“I don’t want to declare victory or finality here. There’s still some work to be done.”
