The discussions were centred on a 28-point proposal, confirmed to be authored by the United States with input from both Kyiv and Moscow. The proposal, which leaked days prior to the talks, caused widespread confusion among allies and a fierce political debate within the US administration.
In a series of weekend posts on his social media platform, President Trump complained that Ukraine's leadership 'has expressed zero gratitude' for American efforts. He also accused European countries of continuing to buy oil from Russia while the United States 'continues to sell massive amounts of weapons to NATO, for distribution to Ukraine.' His comments came directly before the Geneva negotiations began.
The peace framework also sparked chaos in Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced a major crisis after reports emerged that he told Senators the plan was a "Russian wish list" and not an American proposal. Rubio then publicly reversed course, confirming via a social media post that the plan was indeed "authored by the U.S." but based on input from all sides. Trump, for his part, later said the plan was not America's 'final offer,' adding to the uncertainty over Washington's definitive position.
In Europe, leaders voiced significant concerns about the proposal's concessions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated publicly that while a chance to end the war existed, he was "still quite a way from a good outcome for everyone," reflecting widespread European scepticism. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that any settlement must protect Ukraine's sovereignty and preserve the European Union's central role in security.
From Kyiv, senior Ukrainian officials were cautiously positive about the diplomatic process but firm on red lines. Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, said the Geneva meeting showed 'very good progress' and noted that teams would continue to refine the text.
However, a major sticking point is that the draft framework reportedly crosses Ukraine's long-standing red lines, particularly demanding the withdrawal of forces from the remaining Ukrainian-controlled part of Donetsk province, a territorial concession Kyiv has repeatedly rejected.
The proposal has also drawn criticism in Washington. Several Republican lawmakers rejected the plan's concessions, warning that any agreement must reflect 'the will of the Ukrainian people,' signalling deep resistance to any arrangement that could pressure Ukraine into ceding territory.
European diplomats warned privately that they were preparing for the possibility that the United States could scale back its military and financial support for Ukraine, a scenario they described as increasingly plausible if Kyiv rejects the plan. They stressed that if Western unity breaks down, Ukraine could be left vulnerable at a critical moment in the conflict.
The Geneva talks are expected to continue, but the fundamental disagreements surrounding the peace plan, combined with Trump's public attacks, have raised new questions about whether the West can remain united as efforts continue to reach a credible and durable settlement.
Rania Umutoni
