US pushed Ukraine to accept Geneva peace plan involving territorial concessions to Russia, with potential aid cuts if rejected, officials confirm
GENEVA: The United States pressured Ukraine to accept its proposals to end the war with Russia during talks in Geneva, a senior official told AFP.
Washington did not directly threaten to cut off aid if Kyiv rejected its proposals, but Ukraine understood this was a distinct possibility, the anonymous official said.
The original US plan consisted of 28 points that would see Ukraine effectively cede Donetsk and Lugansk regions to Russia and slash its military size.
Kyiv has described these demands as unacceptable despite ongoing negotiations to find a way out of the conflict.
While negotiators worked in Switzerland, powerful explosions rocked Kyiv early Tuesday with air force warnings of countrywide missile threats.
Ukrainian, US and European officials met Sunday to draft an updated version of the peace plan, but the Kremlin rejected European amendments on Monday.
Although US pressure eased during the Geneva meeting, overall pressure remained according to a senior official briefed on the talks.
The source expressed confusion about Washington’s urgency toward a deal but noted everyone supported ending the war given a real opportunity.
The White House pushed back against criticism that President Donald Trump was favouring Russia in his peace efforts.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters the suggestion that America wasn’t engaging both sides equally was a complete fallacy.
Trump initially gave Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky until Thursday to respond to the first version of the plan.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz cast doubt on Trump’s deadline, calling discussions a lengthy, long-lasting process at an EU-Africa summit.
All sides agreed any deal must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty, though the new Geneva draft remains unpublished.
Countries supporting Kyiv from the coalition of the willing are due to hold a video call Tuesday following the Geneva talks.
Zelensky said his country was at a critical moment after previously warning Ukraine risked losing either its dignity or Washington as an ally.
Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the original US plan, calling it a potential basis for agreement.
In Zaporizhzhia, residents rejected territorial concessions to Russia despite the diplomatic efforts.
Tetiana, a local metal firm worker, asked how Ukrainians could look soldiers’ families in the eye if they surrendered territory.
Trump appeared hopeful of a breakthrough, suggesting on social media that something good just may be happening.
The Ukrainian delegation said the new draft already reflects most of Ukraine’s key priorities from the Geneva discussions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described tremendous progress at the talks while acknowledging Russians get a vote in any final agreement.
Moscow occupies swathes of southern and eastern Ukraine while claiming annexation of five regions including Crimea seized in 2014.
The Kremlin seeks recognition of occupied territories and Ukrainian withdrawal from remaining Donetsk areas – demands Ukraine deems unacceptable. – AFP
