Geneva Talks Yield 'Tremendous Progress' Amid Plan Revisions
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared 'tremendous progress' during crucial peace negotiations in Geneva, despite earlier tensions sparked by Donald Trump's criticism of Ukrainian leadership. The talks, described as probably the best the US has held with Ukraine since Trump returned to power, occurred against a backdrop of European powers demanding significant alterations to Washington's initial peace proposal.
European Powers Present Modified Peace Framework
Britain, France, and Germany have submitted a substantial counter-proposal to the original US peace plan, pushing back against several key elements perceived as overly favourable to Moscow. The European alternative, structured as a 28-point document, proposes crucial differences including:
- A larger Ukrainian military force of up to 800,000 personnel during peacetime, compared to the US proposal of 600,000
- Territorial negotiations beginning from the current frontline positions rather than predetermined concessions
- Ukrainian elections occurring 'as soon as possible' after signing rather than within 100 days
- Financial compensation for Ukraine through frozen Russian sovereign assets
The European plan notably removes Point 3 from the original proposal, which suggested expectations that Russia would not invade neighbours and NATO would not expand further.
Trump's Criticism and Ukrainian Response
The Geneva discussions began under strained circumstances following Donald Trump's Truth Social post accusing Ukrainian leadership of showing 'zero gratitude' for American efforts to end the conflict. Trump also criticised European nations for continuing to purchase Russian oil.
Despite these tensions, head of the Ukrainian delegation Andriy Yermak took pains to thank Trump for his commitment to Kyiv during the talks, with President Zelensky subsequently expressing similar gratitude. Both American and Ukrainian officials described creating an 'updated and refined peace framework' in their joint statement, though specific details about security guarantees remain undisclosed.
Rubio indicated that Washington would make amendments to its original 28-point plan to develop something both Ukraine and the US could support, acknowledging that the proposal required changes to gain Ukrainian backing. The White House separately stated the revised version included strengthened security guarantees reflecting Ukrainian national interests.
Broader Context and Regional Developments
The diplomatic manoeuvring occurs alongside increased Russian naval activity, with the UK Ministry of Defence reporting a 30% increase in Russian naval movements around British waters over the past two years. Most recently, patrol ship HMS Severn intercepted Russian corvette RFN Stoikiy and tanker Yelnya in the English Channel.
Meanwhile, concerns grow about Russia's winter strategy against Ukrainian infrastructure, with reports suggesting Putin aims to exploit energy vulnerabilities during the cold season. Multiple NATO countries have also reported increased hybrid warfare activities, including radar disruptions from smuggler balloons at Lithuania's Vilnius airport.
The United States has agreed to implement 'some changes' to its contentious peace proposal following what both parties described as productive discussions, though Trump has given Ukrainian President Zelensky until Thursday to approve the plan that originally called for territory cession, military limits, and NATO membership renunciation.
