Progress on Amending US Peace Plan for Ukraine: Key Stakeholders Seek Compromise on Security and Territory

Officials reported progress on Monday from critical weekend discussions aimed at revising the US peace proposal for Ukraine that many viewed as favoring Russia, though the Kremlin stated it hadn't yet seen the modifications.

Washington's initial 28-point proposal presented last week generated concern by significantly aligning with Moscow's demands in the nearly four-year conflict sparked by Russia's invasion. The plan urged Ukraine to surrender some territory and reduce its military forces, while also seeking European agreement that Ukraine would never join the NATO alliance.

An adviser to Ukraine's president who participated in the Geneva discussions between US and Ukrainian officials informed the AP that they addressed almost all points in the plan, with territorial issues remaining unresolved as these can only be determined at the presidential level. Ukraine and its allies have consistently rejected territorial concessions.

Oleksandr Bevz also mentioned that the US demonstrated "great openness and understanding" that security guarantees represent the foundation of any agreement for Ukraine. He indicated the US would continue refining the plan before a meeting between Ukrainian and US leadership, after which the proposal would be presented to Russia.

Bevz did not disclose any potential compromises Ukraine made during the talks, noting that "everyone arrived stressed."

European officials, who claim they were caught off guard by the US proposal and believe their own security is at stake, pressed Washington for changes during the Geneva discussions.

"The negotiations were a step forward, but there are still major issues which remain to be resolved," Finnish President Alexander Stubb wrote on social media.

US President Donald Trump, who had criticized Ukraine for insufficient gratitude toward US military support while talks were ongoing, suggested on Monday that progress might be occurring.

"Is it really possible that big progress is being made in Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine??? Don't believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening," he posted on social media.

Trump previously gave Ukraine until Thursday to accept the plan, but US Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplayed this deadline, indicating negotiations could continue.

Russian officials have not yet reviewed the revised peace plan, according to a Kremlin spokesperson. Dmitry Peskov added there were no scheduled meetings between US and Russian delegations this week, though Russia remained "open for such contacts."

Yuri Ushakov, President Putin's foreign affairs adviser, stated that the plan the Kremlin received before the Geneva talks contained many provisions that "seem quite acceptable" to Moscow. He characterized European proposals "floating around" as "completely unconstructive."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Ukraine's allies in the "coalition of the willing" – approximately 30 countries supporting Kyiv – would hold virtual discussions about the negotiations on Tuesday.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the "interim result" of the Geneva talks, noting that the US proposal "has now been modified in significant parts," without providing details.

The unexpected emergence of the US peace plan coincided with a challenging period for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose country faces severe pressure on the frontline against Russia's larger military while experiencing financial shortages.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy is addressing a major corruption scandal affecting his government.

Regarding the Geneva talks, Zelenskyy commented late Sunday: "Diplomacy has been reinvigorated, and that's good. Very good."

Rubio, who led the Geneva discussions, described them on Sunday as "very worthwhile" and the most productive day in "a very long time."

"I feel very optimistic that we can get something done," Rubio said.

Merz emphasized that Moscow must now engage in the process.

"The next step must be that Russia must come to the table," he stated in Angola, where he attended a summit between African and European Union countries. "This is a laborious process. It will move forward at most in smaller steps this week. I do not expect there to be a breakthrough this week."

Turkey is also seeking to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. Putin spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan by phone on Monday, according to the Kremlin spokesperson.

Russian drones struck residential areas in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, overnight, killing four people and injuring thirteen, including two children, authorities reported.

Eight residential buildings, an educational facility, and power lines were damaged, according to Oleh Syniehubov, head of the regional military administration.

Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 162 strike and decoy drones over the country overnight.