Zelensky Seeks a 'Result' as Geneva Talks Begin on Contested US Peace Plan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was hopeful "there will be a result" as senior US, Ukrainian and European officials met in Geneva to discuss next steps for ending the war in Ukraine. The talks center on a 28-point proposal from the Trump administration that has drawn criticism for offering major concessions to Russia.

Key issues on the table

The proposal would require Ukraine to cede territory, limit the size of its armed forces and forswear NATO membership in exchange for an end to hostilities — measures that mirror long-standing Kremlin demands. US President Donald Trump set a Thursday deadline for Kyiv to accept the plan and publicly pressed Ukrainian leaders, saying they showed "zero gratitude" for US efforts to broker a settlement.

Who met in Geneva

US officials — including Senator Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll — held talks with the Ukrainian delegation on Sunday. A US official described the meetings as "positive and constructive" and said more formal engagements were planned that afternoon to continue work on the agreement.

"Last night included some good meetings between Secretary Driscoll and the Ukrainian delegation. These were positive and constructive — but I won't get into specifics," a US official said.

Allies voice concern

Western and European leaders who met on the sidelines of the G20 welcomed renewed diplomacy but warned the US proposal is only an "initial draft" that "will require additional work." They reiterated the principle that borders must not be changed by force and cautioned that limits on Ukraine's armed forces could leave the country vulnerable to future attacks.

Ukraine’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said the delegation was "preparing for a constructive conversation" and that Kyiv was in close contact with American counterparts as allies seek a coordinated response. A European diplomat told officials any future deal "cannot entail recognition of occupation" and argued the current contact line should only be a starting point.

Timetable, next steps and other diplomacy

President Trump said the proposal was not necessarily his "final offer" and, when asked what would happen if Zelensky did not accept the plan by the deadline, he replied, "Then he can continue to fight his little heart out." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed skepticism that an agreement could be reached within days given existing differences among parties.

US officials also said planning was under way for a separate, rapid meeting between a Russian delegation and American representatives to discuss the proposal — a session expected to take place outside Geneva. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously suggested the US proposal "could form the basis of a final peace settlement." Ahead of these contacts, EU leaders are due to meet, and a video call of the 30 countries in the "coalition of the willing" supporting Kyiv is planned.

The outcome of the Geneva discussions will shape whether allies can present a unified position to Kyiv and Moscow in the coming days and whether the draft plan will be revised to address concerns about sovereignty, security and alliance rights.