Ukraine welcomes streamlined 19-point peace proposal after Geneva negotiations reshape US-backed plan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed careful optimism after a major revision to the US-backed Ukraine peace plan. The plan, which originally had 28 points, was reduced to 19 after long and intense negotiations in Geneva. These talks involved the United States, several European partners, and senior Ukrainian officials.

The discussion in Geneva was led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. European leaders also took part and strongly supported the changes that removed Ukraine’s biggest concerns. According to officials, the revised plan is now more realistic and closer to what Kyiv considers acceptable.

Zelenskyy said that after the Geneva meeting, the peace framework looked more workable because many difficult points had been taken out. He explained that the earlier version included several demands that Ukraine could never accept, especially those seen as favouring Russia. The new 19-point plan, he said, takes Ukraine's security and dignity into account.

He emphasised that his team returned from Switzerland with a clearer roadmap. He noted that the final agreement is still not ready, but the direction is now more promising. “Today our delegation returned from Geneva after negotiations with the American side and European partners. Now the list of necessary steps to end the war can become doable,” he said.

The changes were welcomed by Kyiv because the original version faced strong resistance. Ukrainian officials argued that it had too many compromises that could harm the country’s sovereignty. The updates made in Geneva reflect many of the adjustments Ukraine had been asking for during earlier rounds of discussion.

European leaders also responded positively. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the new draft as “significantly modified,” noting that many controversial provisions had been removed. Former US President Donald Trump also signalled openness to the new direction, saying that “something good may be coming.”

The White House confirmed that the administration of The White House and Ukraine had reached agreement on most parts of the revised plan. However, no meeting between President Trump and President Zelenskyy is scheduled for this week.

Key concerns addressed but pressure remains

Despite the progress, Zelenskyy made it clear that finalising a comprehensive peace agreement will still be challenging. He noted that important sensitive issues remain unresolved. He plans to discuss these in detail during his next conversation with President Trump.

One of Ukraine’s main worries was that the earlier US-backed proposal included language that could force Ukraine to accept Russian control over parts of Donbas. Another concern was a suggested limitation on the size and capability of Ukraine’s armed forces. A third issue involved a broad amnesty for Russian soldiers accused of war crimes. Finally, there was language that could block Ukraine from ever joining NATO.

Zelenskyy confirmed that these controversial parts have now been removed from the 19-point draft. He said that this was an essential step to ensure that the peace plan respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and the sacrifices made by millions of Ukrainians since the war began.

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According to officials, while the United States did not directly threaten to cut aid, Ukraine understood that rejecting the plan could weaken future support. Before Geneva, Kyiv felt strong pressure to accept the original proposals. During the meeting, this pressure reportedly eased but did not disappear completely. A senior official said there was still “overall pressure” to move towards some form of negotiated conclusion.

European partners played a key role in helping to moderate the plan. Their involvement ensured that Ukraine’s main objections were acknowledged. This gave Kyiv greater confidence that the new version could be the basis for further negotiations.

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine is not against peace. Instead, it wants a peace that protects its freedom, security, and territorial integrity. “Ukraine will never be an obstacle to peace – this is our principle,” he said. He repeated that millions of Ukrainians deserve a dignified peace that does not compromise their future.

He also said that Ukraine’s team is ready to work quickly to complete the plan, especially because global support is crucial. He highlighted that constructive engagement from the United States and close coordination with European partners are necessary to move forward.

As of now, the revised 19-point draft is not the final deal, but it represents a significant step forward. It shows that negotiations can produce meaningful changes if all sides are willing to listen and adjust their positions.

Ukraine remains deeply committed to defending its sovereignty. Zelenskyy’s message is that peace must be fair and must not reward aggression. While the road to a final agreement will be difficult, the latest Geneva discussions have at least opened a path that Kyiv considers realistic.

In the coming days, Ukrainian officials will continue to refine the proposal, hoping to move closer to an agreement that can eventually end the long and painful conflict. For now, Zelenskyy has welcomed the progress but continues to urge caution as the next steps unfold.