Western Nations Seek Changes to US Plan During Ukraine Talks

Select Language:

A photo released by the Ukrainian presidency shows Zelensky meeting with U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll in Kyiv. — AFP

– The plan also requires Ukraine to reduce its military size and stay out of NATO.
– Western leaders say the plan needs adjustments to ensure Ukraine’s security.
– Zelensky warns of a historic choice, while Putin threatens further land grabs.

Ukrainian and U.S. representatives are set to meet in Switzerland on Sunday, alongside European security officials, to discuss Washington’s proposal aimed at ending the conflict with Russia. Kyiv has rejected some aspects of the plan, which are viewed as favorable to Moscow.

President Trump has given Ukraine until November 27 to agree to a plan to resolve the nearly four-year conflict, but Kyiv is seeking amendments to a draft that includes some of Moscow’s hardline demands.

Trump’s 28-point proposal calls for Ukraine to cede territory, downsize its military, and commit never to join NATO. He stated on Saturday that this is not his final offer and expressed hope to halt the fighting “one way or another.”

European allies of Ukraine, who were not involved in crafting the plan, said it requires “further work,” especially as they hurried during the G20 summit in South Africa to develop a counteroffer that would bolster Kyiv’s negotiating position.

An unnamed U.S. official told AFP that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff are scheduled to arrive in Geneva on Sunday for the discussions. Additionally, U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll has already arrived after meeting Zelensky in Kyiv.

“We’ll have an informal dinner tonight with Ukrainian delegates,” the official added.

Zelensky’s decree indicated the negotiations would include “representatives of the Russian Federation,” but Russia has not immediately confirmed whether it will participate.

### Expected Russian ‘Representatives’

After issuing a decree appointing Ukraine’s delegation—led by his top aide Andriy Yermak—Zelensky said that “consultations will be held with partners regarding steps necessary to end the war.” He emphasized that Ukraine’s representatives are capable of defending national interests and preventing Russia from launching a third invasion, referencing Crimea’s annexation in 2014 and the 2022 full-scale push.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said senior officials will meet in Geneva to advance negotiations, stressing that robust “security guarantees” for Ukraine are essential in any resolution. “Our main focus now is on making progress in Geneva tomorrow morning,” he noted from the G20 summit in Johannesburg.

Starmer added that his national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, will be in Geneva on Sunday, along with Italy’s security advisor, Fabrizio Saggio. Leaders from France, Germany, and the EU will also participate, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.

### Western Leaders: The Plan Needs More Work

At the G20 summit, Western nations stated that the U.S. plan is “a starting point requiring additional refinement.” They stressed the importance of maintaining European borders and voiced concern over proposed restrictions on Ukraine’s armed forces, which could leave Ukraine vulnerable.

Macron highlighted certain points—such as Ukraine’s NATO ties and Russian assets frozen in the EU—that require broader discussion among European allies. “Everyone desires peace, and we agree on that. However, peace must be strong and durable,” he said, asserting that any settlement must consider the security of all Europeans. The European delegations in Geneva aim to deepen discussions and reconcile different viewpoints.

Zelensky, addressing the nation last Friday, said Ukraine faces one of its most difficult moments, indicating he would propose “alternatives” to Trump’s plan. “The pressure on Ukraine is immense, and Kyiv is at a crossroads—either accept a loss of dignity or risk losing a key partner,” he warned, hinting at a possible rift with Washington.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the initial blueprint could “lay the groundwork” for a final peace agreement but threatened to seize more territory if Ukraine abandons negotiations.