US-Ukraine Peace Proposal Faces Mixed European Reception as Russia Backs Original Plan
US-Ukraine peace talks in Geneva progressed on a US proposal, but a modified version draws cautious welcome from some European allies and wariness from others, while Russia supports the original plan.
Overview
- US and Ukrainian officials concluded peace talks in Geneva, Switzerland, making significant progress on a U.S.-backed proposal to end the conflict with Russia, initially from President Trump.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the advancements as "tremendous" and "very positive," though President Trump expressed skepticism about a quick deal's feasibility.
- European allies of Ukraine cautiously welcome a modified US peace proposal, while some key European leaders express wariness and disagreement with the approach.
- Moscow supports negotiations starting with the original US proposal, which benefits Russia in the negotiation process, despite not participating in the Geneva talks or receiving outcome information.
- The Trump administration initially pressured Ukraine with deadlines to accept a deal or face aid cuts, though officials later backed away from these specific timelines.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing the contentious nature of the U.S. peace proposal, particularly the demand for Ukraine to cede territory. They highlight the significant pressure on Kyiv and the alarm among European allies, collectively portraying the plan as potentially too favorable to Russia and a threat to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"The Ukrainians believe the updated version reflects their national interests and key concerns were thoroughly addressed."
Military Times"Despite last week's frenzied diplomacy the next steps in the process are unclear."
BBC News"One of the key points of contention over the U.S. proposal was a call for Ukraine and the global community to formally recognize some portion of the ground Russian forces have occupied by force as no longer Ukrainian."
CBS News"The Geneva meeting offered some hope for Kyiv."
ABC News"While work remains to be done, there is now a solid basis for moving forward."
NBC News"The Geneva meeting offered some hope for Kyiv."
Associated Press"The talks were deemed productive, with good progress made on a 28-point plan, although significant concerns remain regarding security guarantees and territorial issues."
Bloomberg"Top U.S. and Ukrainian officials said Sunday they'd made progress toward ending the Russia-Ukraine war but provided scant details after discussing the American proposal to achieve peace that has sparked concerns among many of Washington's European allies that the plan is too conciliatory to Moscow."
NPR"There are so many things in this plan that Ukraine has already rejected and that Congress isn't crazy about."
Bloomberg"After a full day of talks, Rubio told reporters Sunday that “a tremendous amount of progress” had been made."
NBC News"We have made very good progress and are moving forward to a just and lasting peace."
Chicago Tribune"Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that the Russia-Ukraine war would have never happened with "strong and proper" US and Ukrainian leadership."
BBC News"We continue working together to achieve a lasting and just peace for Ukraine."
CBS News"The draft peace plan has caused major concern as it appears to hand the diplomatic advantage back to Moscow."
USA TODAY"Zelenskyy on Sunday confirmed that meetings were underway in Switzerland."
ABC News"The mixed messages from Washington — combined with nervous allies demanding clarity — have deepened doubts about what the U.S. is actually trying to achieve."
NBC News"The plan acquiesces to many Russian demands that Zelenskyy has categorically rejected on dozens of occasions, including giving up large pieces of territory."
ABC News"The 28-point blueprint drawn up by the U.S. to end the nearly four-year war has sparked alarm in Kyiv and European capitals."
Associated Press"Ukraine's allies have already publicly pushed back against the plan, saying in a joint statement issued at the G20 summit in South Africa that it "would leave Ukraine vulnerable to attack.""
BBC News"The 28-point peace plan was crafted by the Trump administration and the Kremlin without Ukraine's involvement."
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Center (20)
FAQ
The US peace proposal was reduced from 28 points to 19 points after the Geneva talks. Nine provisions were removed, reportedly due to European objections, particularly regarding sanctions and frozen Russian assets, which are considered under EU authority.
Some European allies are concerned that the proposal's limitations on Ukraine's armed forces and its requirement for Ukraine to surrender territory could leave Ukraine vulnerable to future Russian attacks, and they object to provisions on sanctions and frozen Russian assets, which they believe should be decided by the EU.
Russia supports negotiations starting with the original US proposal, which benefits Russia in the negotiation process, even though Moscow did not participate in the Geneva talks or receive information about the outcome.
The Trump administration initially pressured Ukraine with deadlines to accept the deal, threatening aid cuts if Ukraine did not agree. However, officials later backed away from these specific timelines.
Key points of contention include Ukraine's potential surrender of territory, limits on its military size, and the requirement to formally abandon its bid to join NATO, all of which have raised concerns among Ukrainian and European leaders.
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