5 Things To Know About The Geneva Breakthrough

1. What progress was made at the Geneva peace talks?

According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, negotiators made a “tremendous amount of progress” in narrowing unresolved issues within the 28-point US peace plan. A joint US-Ukraine statement later confirmed that both sides agreed on an “updated and refined peace framework,” with intensive work continuing in the coming days. However, Rubio stressed that final approval will still require sign-off from both President Zelensky and President Trump before the proposal is presented to Russia.

2. Why is Ukraine concerned about the US draft plan?

Kyiv and its European allies fear the leaked US proposal leans heavily in Russia’s favor. The terms include Ukrainian troop withdrawals from parts of Donetsk, acceptance of Russia’s de facto control over Luhansk and Crimea, and frozen lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. The plan also restricts Ukraine’s military size and asks Kyiv to pledge never to join NATO. 

3. What are the major points of tension between the US and European allies?

Several outlets report that the UK, France, and Germany have drafted an alternative peace plan, though Rubio denied its existence. Meanwhile, Europe is uneasy with the US proposal’s concessions to Russia, particularly the lifting of sanctions and potential reintegration of Moscow into global institutions like the G7. Trump’s public criticism of Ukraine for showing “zero gratitude” and Europe’s continued purchase of Russian oil further strain transatlantic unity.

4. What is at stake for President Zelensky?

Zelensky faces what he calls a "very difficult choice": either compromising Ukraine's dignity by accepting harsh terms or risking the loss of the US as a key partner. While he initially expressed concern over the leaked plan, he later noted positive "signals" that Trump's team is listening. The outcome of these talks will likely determine the future sovereignty and security architecture of Ukraine.

5. How is Russia positioned as the negotiations continue?

Russia currently controls roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory and continues to make slow advances along the front line despite heavy losses. The US draft expects Russia to halt future invasions and allows for its economic reintegration if it complies. While Putin has welcomed the leaked plan as a “basis” for settlement, Ukraine’s allies worry the terms reward Russia’s territorial gains and undermine long-term European security.