U.S. Revises Ukraine Peace Plan Amid Criticism Over Pro-Russia Concessions

The United States has revised its proposed 28-point peace plan for Ukraine, reducing it to 19 points following criticism that the original draft favored Russia. The initial plan, developed by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, called for Ukraine to withdraw from certain eastern cities, limit its military size, and forgo NATO membership.

In recent negotiations held in Geneva, led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, the plan was substantially revised. The updated framework now includes 19 points, with sensitive issues such as Ukraine's military size and NATO membership deferred for future discussions. Zelenskyy noted that the revised plan incorporates many correct elements and that remaining sensitive issues will be addressed in upcoming talks with President Trump.

Rubio described the Geneva talks as "very, very positive," while President Trump expressed cautious optimism, stating, "Is it really possible that big progress is being made in Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine??? Don't believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening."

The original 28-point plan faced criticism for being overly favorable to Russia, including provisions for Ukraine to recognize Russian control over Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk, and to constitutionally forgo NATO membership. The revised plan aims to address these concerns by deferring contentious issues and seeking a more balanced approach.

Further discussions are anticipated, with a potential meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump at the White House later this week. Ukraine is advocating for European involvement in the talks to ensure a comprehensive and balanced resolution.