Top US, Ukrainian and European officials are due to meet in Geneva, Switzerland, on Sunday to focus on next steps for ending the war in Ukraine as Kyiv’s allies transfer to assemble a cohesive response to the Trump administration’s 28-point plan.
US President Donald Trump has given Kyiv till Thursday to settle for the proposal, which has sparked condemnation for making main concessions to Russia. The plan places strain on Kyiv to cede territory, restrict the dimensions of its navy and promise not to be a part of NATO in alternate for an finish to the conflict – all long-standing Kremlin calls for.
A gaggle of Western and European leaders who met on the sidelines of the G20 in South Africa on Saturday welcomed the uptick in diplomatic efforts however expressed concern over the proposal, saying it was solely “an initial draft” that “will require additional work.”
“We are clear on the principle that borders must not be changed by force. We are also concerned by the proposed limitations on Ukraine’s armed forces, which would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attack,” a press release from the leaders mentioned.
Trump solid doubt over his personal timings forward of the Geneva assembly, telling reporters on the South Lawn of the White House the plan was not his “final offer.”
Asked by NCS what occurs if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky doesn’t settle for the plan by his deadline on Thursday, Trump replied, “Then he can continue to fight his little heart out.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump particular envoy Steve Witkoff are anticipated to be a part of the talks on Sunday, a US official mentioned. The purpose of the assembly is to iron out language earlier than Zelensky meets with Trump, the official added.
British, French and German nationwide safety advisers are additionally due to meet with their Ukrainian and US counterparts, in accordance to a diplomatic supply.
One European diplomat instructed NCS that any future deal “cannot entail recognition of occupation. The contact line should be a point of departure.”
“There should be no removal of the right to choose alliances, no cap on Ukraine’s armed forces, or back door introduction of Russia’s demands on European security,” the diplomat mentioned.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney mentioned he plans to converse with Zelensky Sunday to focus on the peace plan, Reuters reported.
“The follow-up is being done by our national security advisors. I will be speaking with President Zelensky later today, just to close the loop on some aspects,” Carney mentioned on the sidelines of the G20 assembly in Johannesburg.
Planning for a separate assembly between a Russian delegation and the US to focus on the proposal can also be in the works and “will happen quickly,” the US official mentioned – however not in Geneva. Russian President Vladimir Putin has beforehand mentioned he believed the US proposal “could form the basis of a final peace settlement.”
On Saturday, Zelensky acknowledged the deliberate discussions, saying he had signed a decree on the composition of the Ukrainian delegation. “Our representatives know how to defend Ukraine’s national interests and what is needed to prevent Russia from carrying out a third invasion,” he mentioned.
Zelensky has beforehand mentioned he would work across the clock to discover a path ahead on the plan whereas saying he would not betray his nation.
The talks in Switzerland come forward of a proposed assembly between EU leaders on Monday, introduced by European Council President António Costa on Saturday.
In what will probably be a busy few days of diplomacy, French President Emmanuel Macron mentioned the 30 international locations in the “coalition of the willing” supporting Kyiv will maintain a video name on Tuesday.
NCS’s Sophie Tanno, Nick Paton Walsh, Jennifer Hansler and Kit Maher contributed reporting.