Europeans are racing at breakneck speed to reach a consensus solution with American President Donald Trump on the 28-point plan for a ceasefire in Ukraine. European and American officials are sitting at the negotiating table in Geneva, which represents another step closer to silencing the guns. However, messages being sent from the US and the Old Continent reveal ambivalence and shifting attitudes regarding the key points of Donald Trump’s plan. With the issue of conceding Ukraine’s eastern territories to Russia undermining the atmosphere, Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizing the need to maintain his country’s dignity, and Europeans standing firm on the need to respect territorial sovereignty, different diplomatic “players” are approaching Geneva’s diplomatic table. The first round of talks between officials from Ukraine, France, Germany, and Britain is underway, while the second round is expected to include participation from the American delegation.
Earlier, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and American Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Geneva for talks with European and Ukrainian officials. According to the British Sky News network, this is a critical moment as Ukraine faces the risk of losing US support. “Much is at stake for the Ukrainians” because “it’s clear that Trump’s patience is running out,” the British network’s analysis notes. Trump, as the British network analyst points out, represents “one of the battlefields in this war – the struggle for his favor, his protection, is being waged intensely.”
Ukraine’s Western allies have already reacted publicly to Trump’s plan, with the joint statement following the G20 Summit, which Trump did not attend, being indicative of the disposition to reformulate points as they focused on promoting “permanent and just peace.” The statement was signed by leaders from Canada, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Norway. Among the signatories were also two senior EU officials.
Trump’s 28-point plan for Ukraine: European reactions before Geneva talks
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the plan “cannot simply be an American proposal,” adding that any agreement must also guarantee the security of “all Europeans.”
Before the critical talks in Geneva, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that “alongside the diplomatic path, we must do everything to strengthen our defense against heinous Russian attacks.”
This message from the Ukrainian president came as he announced the end of a rescue mission in Ternopil, in western Ukraine, where a Russian attack on a residential building killed 33 people and left another six missing.
“Throughout the week, these attacks have not subsided: more than 1,050 drones have been used, almost 1,000 guided bombs, and more than 60 missiles of various types,” Zelensky wrote in a social media post.
The US President stated, 24 hours ago, after ultimatums for a response by Thursday, November 27, that the plan does not constitute a “final offer” for Ukraine, having previously declared that Volodymyr Zelensky “should” approve it.
On Saturday, however, Zelensky announced that his chief of staff, Andrei Yermak, will lead Ukraine’s negotiating team for future talks regarding a peace agreement, including those that may involve Russia.
In the Kremlin camp, meanwhile, Russia is leaving open the possibility of a meeting between Trump and Putin, with Moscow signaling that it has received the plan and is open to entering dialogue for peace based on this 28-point plan.
