The United States and Ukraine have outlined a revised framework for a potential peace deal with Russia, following what officials described as the most constructive discussions since President Donald Trump returned to office. The updated plan emerged from high-level negotiations in Geneva, though both sides acknowledge that major sticking points remain.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the talks were “very worthwhile,” calling them “probably the best” the US has held with Ukraine under the current administration. Still, neither Washington nor Kyiv released specifics about the revised plan, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing negotiations.
Rubio also downplayed the Thursday deadline Trump had set for Ukraine’s response, suggesting that the immediate goal was to halt the fighting rather than rush Kyiv into a decision. He noted that talks could continue into Monday “and beyond” if needed.
The discussions come just days after Trump criticised Ukraine for what he described as a lack of gratitude—prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to publicly reaffirm his country’s appreciation for US support.
Rubio said several issues in the framework still need refinement. “Some of it is semantics or language,” he explained. “Others require higher-level decisions and consultations. And some simply need more time.”
A White House statement said the revised proposal includes stronger security guarantees for Ukraine, and that Kyiv’s negotiators indicated the new draft “reflects their national interests.” Ukrainian officials did not release their own statement.
European diplomats at the talks offered an alternative version of the US blueprint—one that pushes back on proposed limits to Ukraine’s military and rejects predetermined territorial concessions. Under Europe’s proposal, Ukraine would be allowed a larger standing force, while any potential land-swap negotiations would begin from current frontlines rather than ceding territory outright.
The original 28-point plan crafted in Washington had raised alarms in Kyiv and across Europe. Zelensky warned that Ukraine could soon face a painful decision between defending its sovereignty and maintaining vital US support. The draft also included provisions accommodating several Russian demands, including territorial concessions Ukraine has repeatedly refused.
Following the Geneva meetings, Rubio said key disagreements over the initial proposal have now been “narrowed,” though a final agreement remains out of reach.