Ukraine and Western Allies Convene in Geneva to Debate Contested U.S. 28-Point Peace Blueprint

Delegations from Ukraine, the United States and several Western allies met in Geneva on Sunday to review a 28-point U.S. peace blueprint intended to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian officials said. Early meetings between Kyiv and advisers from the U.K., France and Germany were described as constructive, and talks with the U.S. delegation were expected to follow.

Ukrainian delegation leader Andrii Yermak, presidential chief of staff, wrote on social media that the group was "in a very constructive mood" and that officials aim to work toward "a lasting and just peace for Ukraine." President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on Telegram that he was awaiting the outcome and called for guarantees that bloodshed will stop and that the war will not be reignited.

Contents and Concerns

The 28-point blueprint — proposed by the United States as a framework for negotiations — has prompted concern in Kyiv and among European partners. Critics contend some elements appear to acquiesce to Russian demands that Ukraine has repeatedly rejected, including concessions over territory and restrictions on Ukraine's armed forces. Allied officials issued a joint statement saying the plan "includes important elements that will be essential for a just and lasting peace," but that further work and revisions are necessary.

France's minister delegate at the Defense Ministry, Alice Rufo, highlighted limits on Ukraine's military as a central point of discussion, calling such restrictions "a limitation on its sovereignty." "Ukraine must be able to defend itself," she said.

Disputes Over Authorship and Intent

The plan's authorship and purpose became points of contention. Some U.S. lawmakers said Senator Marco Rubio described the proposal as closer to a Russian "wish list" than a White House-led initiative. Rubio later disputed that characterization, posting that the proposal was authored by the United States with input from both Russian and Ukrainian parties and offered as a framework for negotiations.

A State Department spokesperson reiterated that the plan reflects U.S. authorship with contributions from both sides. A senior U.S. official described the blueprint as a hopeful starting point for continued negotiations toward a final peace agreement.

Political Dynamics and Next Steps

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Warsaw was prepared to work with European, Canadian and Japanese partners on the proposal, while also calling for clarity about the plan's origins. Separately, U.S. political leaders signaled pressure on Ukraine to reach a decision: the U.S. president said the proposal was not necessarily a "final offer" and urged progress toward peace, without providing further detail.

Delegations in Geneva will seek to reconcile differing views and revise the blueprint where necessary. Officials emphasized that any acceptable agreement must safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and security while creating a credible, verifiable path toward lasting peace.

What to watch next: further sessions in Geneva to refine the proposal, official statements from Kyiv and Washington, and reactions from European partners on any proposed revisions.