Concrete Progress in Geneva Peace Talks for Ukraine

Geneva became the focal point of diplomatic efforts on Sunday as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian delegation head Andriy Yermak and European advisers held intensive talks over the latest peace blueprint. All sides described the first sessions as the most constructive to date, signaling a rare moment of convergence after months of tension surrounding Washington’s controversial 28-point plan.

US and Ukraine Praise Momentum

Speaking to reporters, Rubio characterized the opening meetings as “probably the most productive and meaningful sessions so far in this entire process.”

Yermak echoed this optimism, stating that negotiators were “moving forward toward the just and lasting peace the Ukrainian people deserve.”

Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov added that the latest draft “already reflects most of Ukraine’s key priorities,” even as the document remains in its final approval stages.

European Counter-Proposal Gains Traction

Diplomatic sources confirmed that Britain, France and Germany have jointly drafted a counter-proposal revising two of the most disputed elements of the US plan.

The European version suggests capping Ukraine’s peacetime military at 800,000 – not the 600,000 proposed by Washington – and stipulates that any territorial negotiations should begin from the current Line of Contact, rather than accepting certain regions as “de facto Russian.”

Yermak met first with national security advisers from the European E3, with further discussions scheduled throughout the day.

Next Round Shifts to US Delegation

“The next meeting is with the US delegation. We are in a very constructive mood,” Yermak said, adding that both sides are committed to “achieving a lasting and just peace for Ukraine.”

Rubio is expected to participate alongside Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff.

Zelensky Calls for Outcome That Protects Ukraine’s Sovereignty

President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was closely monitoring developments, stressing that Ukraine needs “a positive result for all of us.”In a message on Telegram, he noted that US negotiators seemed prepared to incorporate several elements “critically important for Ukraine’s national interests,” though he did not detail them.

“Further work is ongoing to ensure the main goal – ultimately ending the bloodshed and preventing the war from reigniting,” he said.

Controversial US Plan Under Review

The original 28-point US blueprint had alarmed Kyiv and European capitals for conceding too much to Russia, including limits on Ukraine’s military and territorial compromises Zelensky has repeatedly rejected.

European allies have since pushed for revisions to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty is not undermined.