GENEVA — Top U.S. and Ukrainian officials said Sunday they made progress toward ending the Russia-Ukraine war, but offered few specifics after discussions on a U.S. peace proposal that has drawn concern from European allies for being potentially too conciliatory to Moscow.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the Geneva talks as “very worthwhile” and the most productive day in a long time, expressing optimism that progress could be achieved. He provided little detail on the discussions and downplayed a Thursday deadline set by President Donald Trump for Ukraine’s response, emphasizing that negotiations could continue beyond Monday if necessary.
“This is a very delicate moment,” Rubio said, noting that some issues involve language, others require high-level decisions, and many will need more time to resolve.
The 28-point U.S. plan, aimed at ending nearly four years of conflict, has alarmed Kyiv and European capitals. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the country faces a difficult choice between defending its sovereignty and preserving U.S. support. He vowed that Ukraine “will always defend” its homeland.
The plan reportedly accommodates many Russian demands that Zelenskyy has repeatedly rejected, including ceding territory. In a statement Sunday night, the White House said the Ukrainian delegation confirmed that their key concerns — security guarantees, economic development, infrastructure protection, freedom of navigation, and political sovereignty — were thoroughly addressed during the meeting.
Concerns about the original proposal intensified after a bipartisan group of U.S. senators reported that Rubio described the plan as a “wish list” from Russia. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he discussed the proposal with Trump, noting that some elements were acceptable to Europe while others were not.
Rubio called the U.S. plan a “living document” subject to change, but emphasized that Moscow would have a say in any final version. Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andrii Yermak said the talks made “very good progress” toward a just and lasting peace.
The positive assessments contrast with President Trump’s criticism of Ukraine for allegedly failing to show gratitude for U.S. military support while Europe continues purchasing Russian oil. Zelenskyy, however, expressed appreciation for U.S. efforts and reaffirmed that Russia initiated the war.
Ahead of the Geneva talks, the Ukrainian delegation also met with national security advisers from the U.K., France, and Germany, as European allies pushed to revise aspects of the plan. France’s defense minister Alice Rufo said discussions would include limitations on the Ukrainian army, which she described as a challenge to sovereignty.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed willingness to collaborate with European, Canadian, and Japanese leaders on the plan, while emphasizing clarity about its authorship and origins.
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday to revive a previous 2022 agreement allowing safe grain exports via the Black Sea, a move aimed at supporting regional diplomacy and easing tensions.
Despite progress in Geneva, officials emphasized that details remain fluid and negotiations will continue as parties work toward a potential resolution.
Edgardo Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
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