The United States and Russia have jointly proposed a 28-point peace plan to Ukraine, imposing a Thanksgiving deadline and an implicit threat of consequences if rejected. This development has catalyzed emergency diplomatic talks in Geneva, where Western allies are scrambling to modify the terms to protect Ukrainian sovereignty.
The plan was formulated during meetings between US special envoy Steve Witkoff, a real estate mogul, and Kirill Dmitriev, a sanctioned Russian official close to President Vladimir Putin. It reportedly grants Russia de facto control over occupied Ukrainian territories and imposes strict limitations on Ukraine’s military capabilities, aligning closely with Moscow’s long-standing demands. The proposal endorses key Russian interests, sparking alarm among Kyiv and its allies who view it as overly favorable to Moscow.
Initially, US President Donald Trump presented the proposal as an ultimatum, stating that Ukraine had no choice but to accept it by Thursday. However, following backlash from European leaders and within his own administration, Trump later softened his stance, indicating that the plan was not his final offer and leaving room for negotiation. This shift came after European officials characterized the plan as a foundation needing additional work to ensure a just and lasting peace.
In response, top security officials from the US, Ukraine, Britain, Germany, France, Italy, and the European Union convened hastily in Geneva to discuss the proposal. European leaders, while cautious not to openly criticize Trump, expressed concerns that the plan could undermine European security and called for it to be “strengthened.” The talks aim to build on the initial draft, with participants hoping to win concessions from the US and Russia.
The diplomatic flurry echoes previous crises, such as the August summit where European leaders rushed to Washington after Trump’s meeting with Putin. This time, the urgency is heightened by the implicit threat that failure to agree could lead to reduced US support for Ukraine, potentially altering the war’s dynamics. The situation has been described as a “moment of diplomatic jeopardy” for Europe and Ukraine.
Within the US, the plan has caused internal divisions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio initially distanced the administration from the proposal, telling senators it was a “Russian wish list,” but Trump has embraced it publicly. This discrepancy highlights the chaotic nature of the negotiations and the influence of unofficial channels, with some US officials claiming they were unaware of the plan before its announcement.
As talks continue, the outcome remains uncertain. If Ukraine is forced to accept unfavorable terms, it could set a precedent for Russian aggression and weaken international norms. Alternatively, a negotiated compromise might pave the way for a ceasefire, but the path to lasting peace is fraught with challenges, including ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The situation represents a critical juncture in the Ukraine conflict, with the potential to reshape transatlantic relations.
