U.S. and Ukraine Revise Controversial Peace Plan amid Claims It Favours Russia

U.S. and Ukrainian officials met in Geneva this weekend to negotiate revisions to a highly controversial 28-point peace plan, originally criticized for appearing to mirror Russian demands. The discussions come as pressure mounts from lawmakers and European allies, who argue the initial draft dangerously rewards Moscow.

Key Points of Contention

• Original Draft Widely Criticized
  The leaked version would have required Ukraine to significantly reduce its military, surrender territory that Russia has not fully controlled, and bar NATO troops from its soil.
• Author Dispute
  Some U.S. senators — including Angus King — claimed Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the proposal as “essentially the wish list of the Russians.” Rubio strongly denied these reports, asserting the plan was authored by the U.S. with input from both Russia and Ukraine.
• Pressure from Trump Administration
  President Donald Trump set a Thanksgiving deadline for Ukraine to accept the plan. While negotiating, Rubio suggested that the document remained a “living, breathing” effort — meaning the deadline might be more flexible than originally stated.

Revisions and Points of Agreement

During the Geneva talks, both sides reported meaningful progress:

• They drafted an “updated and refined framework” to address Ukraine’s top concerns, including security guarantees, long-term economic development, infrastructure protection, political sovereignty, and freedom of navigation.
• A joint statement from both governments affirmed that any eventual deal must fully respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and ensure a just, sustainable peace.
• At the same time, European leaders — notably from France and Germany — have proposed an alternative plan. Their version would start negotiations based on present front‑line positions, rather than redrawing borders, and include legally binding security guarantees.

Political Fallout

• In the U.S., some lawmakers sharply criticized the early draft. Senator Mark Warner compared it to appeasement prior to World War II, warning it could “reward aggression.”
• European skepticism remains strong. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said leaders must first clarify who truly authored the plan before they can negotiate further.
• Ukrainian concerns echo throughout: government negotiators in Geneva emphasized their insistence on solid guarantees before conceding territory or military capacity.

What’s Next