High-Level Ukraine-US Peace Talks Underway in Switzerland Amidst Controversial US Proposal

High-level talks between Ukraine and the United States are currently underway in Switzerland, focusing on a controversial US peace proposal designed to bring an end to the ongoing conflict with Russia. The discussions follow a 28-point plan put forth by the US, which reportedly incorporates several long-standing demands from Moscow, prompting significant debate and concern among Kyiv and its European partners.

Delegations Convene in Geneva

The Ukrainian delegation is led by Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's top aide, and includes Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council. Representing the United States are Secretary of State Marco Rubio, diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff, and US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, with Geneva identified as a key location for these consultations. Envoys from several European nations, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, are also expected to join the Ukrainian negotiators. While President Zelenskyy's decree mentioned the inclusion of 'representatives of the Russian Federation' in the negotiations, there has been no immediate confirmation from Russia regarding their participation.

Details of the US Peace Proposal

The 28-point US peace plan, which has been sent to Kyiv and Moscow, outlines several significant provisions that have drawn criticism. Key elements of the draft proposal include:

• Territorial Concessions: Ukraine would be required to cede land controlled by Russia, including the entire eastern Donbas region (both Russian-occupied and Ukrainian-controlled areas), and effectively recognize Russia's control over Crimea. The plan also suggests freezing current front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.
• Military Limitations: Ukraine's armed forces would face significant reductions, with proposals suggesting a cap of 400,000 or 600,000 personnel, and the relinquishment of all long-range weapons.
• NATO Neutrality: Ukraine would be required to pledge never to join NATO and agree not to host foreign troops, maintaining a non-nuclear status.

In return, the proposal reportedly includes a pledge from the Kremlin not to attack Ukraine or other European countries, to be codified in Russian law, and offers limited security guarantees for Ukraine, described by some as 'Article 5-like' but with a 10-year duration.

Reactions from Kyiv and European Allies

The proposal has been met with apprehension in Kyiv. President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine faces an 'extremely difficult choice' between 'losing dignity or losing a key partner' if it accepts the demands. Ukrainian officials are actively 'seeking changes' to the draft, aiming to 'defend Ukraine's national interests' and prevent a 'third invasion.'

European allies, who were not involved in drafting the agreement, have also expressed reservations. Leaders gathered at the G20 summit in South Africa issued a joint statement asserting that the plan 'requires additional work.' They emphasized the principle that 'borders must not be changed by force' and voiced concern over the proposed limitations on Ukraine's armed forces, which they believe 'would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attack.'

US and Russian Perspectives

US President Donald Trump has set a deadline of November 27 for Ukraine to approve the plan, though he indicated it is not his final offer. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the proposal was 'authored by the U.S.' and based on input from both Russian and Ukrainian sides, rejecting claims that it was merely a 'wish list of the Russians.'

On the Russian side, President Vladimir Putin has indicated that his demands have not fundamentally changed since an August 2025 summit in Alaska. He stated that the 28-point proposal 'could form the basis' of a permanent peace but requires 'substantive discussion.'