Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday that he hoped “there will be a result” as top US, Ukrainian and European officials gather in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss next steps for ending the war in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian leader said his team was in close contact with the Americans as Kyiv’s allies move to assemble a cohesive response to the Trump administration’s 28-point plan, which has sparked condemnation for making major concessions to Russia.
US President Donald Trump has given Kyiv until Thursday to accept the proposal, which puts pressure on Kyiv to cede territory, limit the size of its military and promise not to join NATO in exchange for an end to the war – all long-standing Kremlin demands.
A group of Western and European leaders who met on the sidelines of the G20 in South Africa on Saturday welcomed the uptick in diplomatic efforts but expressed concern over the proposal, saying it was only “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 statement from the leaders said.
Asked by CNN if Ukraine would reject the US proposal, Ukraine’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said they were “preparing for a constructive conversation” ahead of meeting with the Americans.
Trump cast doubt over his own timings ahead of the Geneva meeting, telling reporters on the South Lawn of the White House the plan was not his “final offer.”
In response to a CNN question about what happens if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky doesn’t accept the plan by his deadline on Thursday, Trump replied, “Then he can continue to fight his little heart out.”
