Discussions regarding a US-proposed peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war have seen "tremendous amount of progress" but still require "some work to be done," according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio following meetings with Ukrainian and European negotiators in Geneva, Switzerland. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, initially concerned about proposals seen as favoring Russia, later expressed gratitude for US assistance while emphasizing the need for a "dignified peace" that truly ends the war and prevents its resurgence.

Donald Trump, whose administration drafted the plan, had accused Ukraine's leaders of showing "zero gratitude" for US efforts. He described the conflict as "a loser for everyone" and reiterated that he had "inherited a war that should have never happened." Despite setting a deadline for Ukraine to agree to the proposals, Trump later clarified that this was not his "final offer." Rubio also expressed optimism for a resolution "in a very reasonable period of time very soon."

The leaked US draft plan, which Moscow welcomed as a basis for settlement, includes several controversial elements. It proposes a Ukrainian troop withdrawal from parts of the eastern Donetsk region they currently control, effectively granting de facto Russian control over Donetsk and the neighboring Luhansk region, in addition to the Crimea peninsula annexed in 2014. The plan also suggests freezing the borders of Ukraine's southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions along current battle lines, both partially occupied by Russia. Furthermore, it limits Ukraine's military personnel to 600,000, a significant reduction from its current 880,000. Crucially, the draft pledges Ukraine will not seek NATO membership, instead receiving unspecified "reliable security guarantees." It also expects Russia not to invade its neighbors and NATO not to expand further. The plan controversially suggests Russia will be "reintegrated into the global economy" through the lifting of sanctions and an invitation to rejoin the G7, effectively restoring the G8.

Amidst these developments, Kyiv's European allies, led by the UK, France, and Germany, have put forward an alternative counter-proposal, which starkly contrasts with the US plan. The European plan aims to be far more supportive of Ukraine, addressing key points of contention:

• Territory: While Ukraine and its allies accept the unlikelihood of regaining all territory captured in eastern Ukraine and Crimea, they draw a red line against sacrificing any territory not already occupied by Russian forces. The US plan, conversely, incorporates a Russian demand for Ukraine to cede the entirety of the mineral-rich Donbas region, to be demilitarized with Russian as the official language and Russia exploiting its resources while paying a ground rental fee.
• Ceasefire: European allies advocate for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, followed by earnest negotiations. The US-Russia plan, however, dictates a ceasefire would only commence once Ukraine has agreed to all Russian demands, potentially allowing Russia more time to seize territory.
• Alliances: The European plan asserts Ukraine's freedom to decide on joining regional (like the EU) and security alliances (like NATO), and would not be forced into neutrality. It even allows Ukraine to invite "friendly forces" onto its territory. In contrast, the US plan forbids Ukraine from joining the EU and NATO, forces neutrality, limits its military, and prohibits NATO troops from being stationed in Ukraine.
• Sanctions: Europe's proposal suggests a gradual easing of sanctions on Moscow, contingent on Russia's compliance, with punitive measures instantly snapping back if breaches occur. Trump's proposal envisages sweeping sanctions relief and lucrative US-Russia joint ventures, including in mining and AI, alongside Moscow rejoining the G7.
• Ukrainian Forces and Western Military Support: The European plan includes a "stabilisation force" led by the UK and France, protecting Ukrainian land, airspace, and waters, and grants Ukraine freedom to determine the presence, weapons, and operations of friendly forces. It also promises robust, legally-binding security guarantees. The US plan limits Ukrainian forces to 600,000, prohibits NATO states from stationing troops in Ukraine, and offers an "Article 5-style" security guarantee.
• Reparations: European proposals demand Ukraine be "fully reconstructed and compensated financially," with Russian sovereign assets remaining frozen until damages are paid. The US plan, however, outlines the creation of a Ukraine Development Fund that would benefit the United States, with no explicit commitment from Russia to cover the costs, and Russia joining a US-Russia investment vehicle.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that Ukraine's borders cannot be changed by force, and there should be no limitations on Ukraine's armed forces that would leave the country vulnerable. She highlighted the centrality of the EU in securing peace and Ukraine's sovereign right to choose its destiny. Sir Keir Starmer also voiced concerns over proposed caps on Ukraine's military, emphasizing the need for Ukraine to defend itself. Meanwhile, a massive Russian drone attack on Kharkiv killed three people, and Moscow experienced rare power blackouts and heating disruptions due to a Ukrainian drone strike on the Lenin Shatura thermal plant.