Diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine have intensified, with various parties expressing differing assessments of progress.
Diplomatic Statements
Former US President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that a deal was "very close." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also indicated "many prospects" for peace and reported "significant results" from recent discussions, while noting that additional work is required.
Conversely, Russian officials maintained a cautious stance. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov reported that Moscow viewed some elements of the latest draft proposal positively but emphasized the need for expert discussions. President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, described suggestions of an imminent deal as "premature."
Evolving Peace Proposals
Initial reports surfaced regarding a leaked 28-point US plan to end the conflict. This plan, which included references to Ukraine ceding territory and limiting its military size, reportedly prompted concern in Kyiv and engaged European diplomats seeking to address its implications. European leaders subsequently developed a counter-proposal, also comprising 28 points, which replaced direct territorial concessions with "negotiations on territorial swaps" and included stronger language on security guarantees.
Following talks in Geneva, a joint US-Ukrainian statement described the discussions as "highly productive" and underscored the objective of achieving a "sustainable and just peace." Ukrainian officials indicated that a subsequent version of the plan had been condensed to 19 points, with critical issues such as territory and Ukraine's future relationship with NATO reserved for future decisions involving Trump and Zelensky. The specifics of this latest version remain undisclosed, although discussions involving US, Ukrainian, and Russian officials were reported in Abu Dhabi.
Expert Perspectives and Future Outlook
Daniel Fried, former US Assistant Secretary of State, characterized the diplomatic trajectory as "fast moving," acknowledging the Trump administration's commitment to pursuing a settlement. Myroslava Gongadze, a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center, noted that the Ukrainian delegation found satisfaction in the Geneva talks, viewing them as an opportunity to integrate Ukrainian interests into potential negotiations and to address previous demands.
Persistent concerns include the nature and reliability of future security guarantees for Ukraine, particularly in the context of previous territorial violations. Upcoming diplomatic engagements include a visit by Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow and a potential visit by Zelensky to the White House, suggesting continued high-level discussions.