Ukraine revises US-Russia peace plan, rejecting key Moscow demands

Ukraine has substantially revised a US-Russian draft peace plan, removing several of Russia’s demands that Kyiv views as ultimatums. 

The initial 28-point framework, devised by Vladimir Putin’s special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, and President Donald Trump’s representative, Steve Witkoff, has been stripped down to 19 points following high-level negotiations in Switzerland.

The original plan had called for Ukraine to withdraw from cities it controls in the eastern Donbas region, impose limits on the size of its army, and agree not to join NATO. Following weekend talks between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak, Kyiv and its European allies insisted that the existing frontline must serve as the starting point for any territorial discussions. They firmly rejected any recognition of land seized by Russia militarily.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the revisions, stating: “As of now, after Geneva, there are fewer points, no longer 28, and many correct elements have been incorporated into this framework.” He added that sensitive issues, such as Ukraine’s sovereign right to decide on NATO and EU membership, had been “placed in brackets” for later discussion with President Trump.

Moscow seeks reworking, Europe insists on involvement

Despite positive tones from both Washington and Kyiv, the revisions immediately drew resistance from Moscow. Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s top foreign policy aide, confirmed the complexity of the process, saying Moscow would seek to “rework” parts of the document. He added that while “many provisions” appeared acceptable, others would “require the most detailed discussions and review.” Underscoring Moscow’s hardline stance, Ushakov also rejected a European counter-proposal from the weekend as “completely unconstructive and does not work for us.”

The controversy surrounding the original plan, which was widely seen as favourable to Moscow, was exposed after it was leaked last week, leaving the UK and EU blindsided. Since then, European leaders have sought to revise the document and stress the need for full European involvement in the process.

Speaking at an EU-Africa summit, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the “refined peace framework” was a “solid basis for moving forward,” but stressed that “Work remains to be done.” She insisted on core principles: “Ukraine’s territory and sovereignty must be respected – only Ukraine, as a sovereign country, can make decisions regarding its armed forces.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for both Europe and Russia to come to the negotiating table, but stressed the talks would be a “long-lasting process” and warned against expecting a breakthrough this week. As negotiators continue to scramble, deadly strikes persist, with both Russia and Ukraine counting casualties on Tuesday morning.

There are indications that Zelenskyy may meet with Trump in the White House later this week.