Kyiv removes key demands and seeks wider European role
Ukraine has substantially amended the original US peace plan for ending the conflict, cutting the 28-point proposal down to 19 points and removing several Russian demands. People familiar with the talks said the revised version reflects Kyiv’s insistence that any territorial discussion must begin from the current frontline, with no recognition of land seized by Russia during the war. Questions about Ukraine’s potential EU or NATO membership have been placed on hold for leaders to address later.
The changes follow negotiations in Switzerland led by US secretary of state Marco Rubio and Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to officials, the mood was constructive, with Rubio calling the talks “very very positive”. Former president Donald Trump also hinted at movement, writing that “something good just may be happening”.
Moscow pushes back as Europe demands involvement
Despite revisions, Russia signaled dissatisfaction. Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said the draft required “further reworking”, adding that while some points were acceptable, others needed detailed negotiation. He also rejected a European proposal circulated over the weekend, calling it “completely unconstructive”.
European leaders, who were surprised when the initial plan leaked to US media, have pushed strongly to be included. At an EU-Africa summit in Angola, António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen described the updated framework as progress but stressed more work was necessary. Von der Leyen reiterated that Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty must remain non-negotiable, and that only Ukraine can decide the structure of its armed forces.
German chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish prime minister Donald Tusk echoed this stance, arguing both Europe and Russia must be fully engaged for talks to advance. Leaders warned negotiations would be slow, and Tusk emphasized that any settlement must not “favour the aggressor”.
US defends its approach amid political tensions
The White House rejected claims that Washington is tilting toward Moscow. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt called such suggestions a “complete and total fallacy”, insisting the US is engaging both sides equally. A coalition of European foreign affairs committee chairs issued a joint statement arguing that lasting peace must be grounded in international law, not concessions.
Sources suggested Zelenskyy could meet Trump later this week at the White House as Kyiv continues urging for robust European participation. Vice-president JD Vance reportedly agreed during discussions with Zelenskyy that Europe should be part of the process.
Human cost remains visible as war continues
Even as diplomatic efforts accelerate, fighting persists. A major drone attack on Kharkiv killed four people, with emergency responders describing scenes of severe destruction. A Red Cross commander said children survived but their mother died in the strike.
Inside Russia, air defenses intercepted Ukrainian drones headed for Moscow, briefly halting flights at several airports. A separate drone strike caused power outages near the capital, an uncommon reversal of the frequent Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
