Diplomats from the United States, Ukraine, Britain, France, and Germany have gathered in Geneva for talks on a 28-point plan aimed at bringing an end to Europe's largest conflict since World War II.
The meetings in the Swiss lakeside city come as Ukraines European backers have expressed alarm over the details of the proposal to stop fighting that has raged since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The plan has not yet been officially disclosed, but key elements have been leaked -- sparking Kyiv's allies to suggest that it is highly tilted in Russia's favor.
Ukraine's chief delegate,Andriy Yermak, said his team had held initial meetings with diplomats led by Jonathan Powell (Britain), Emmanuel Bonn (France), and Gunther Sautter (Germany).
"The next meeting is with the US delegation," he wrote.
"The Ukrainian and American teams, as well as the teams of our European partners, are in close contact, and I do hope that there will be a result," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyywrote on social media.
"I am awaiting the results of today's talks and hope that all participants will be constructive. We all need a positive outcome," he added.
Many of the terms of the proposed deal require sweeping concessions by Kyiv and appear to mirror many of the Kremlin's demands -- including surrender of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions -- known as the Donbas -- and Crimea, along with setting limits on the size of its military.
SEE ALSO:
Ukraine Faces 'Very Difficult Choice' Over US Peace Plan, Zelenskyy Tells Nation
Kyiv would also be required to enact a constitutional prohibition on joining NATO, while restrictions would be put on the Western military alliance itself regarding the stationing of its troops. Financial sanctions on Moscow would also be eased under the plan.
In return, Ukraine would receive some form of security guarantees, most notably from the United States, be allowed to join the European Union, and receive some financial benefits. Russia would also be required to withdraw from some Ukrainian areas it currently occupies.
Not The 'Final Offer'
Amid pushback from US lawmakers and foreign allies, Trump on November 22 left open the possibility of changes being made to the plan.
Asked by reporters if his proposal was his "final offer to Ukraine," Trump said, "No."
"We're trying to get it ended. One way or the other, we have to get it ended," he added.
Ukraine's European allies, who were not involved in drafting the US plan, have said the proposal requires "additional work."
In a joint statement, the leaders of Britain, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, along with top EU officials and the leaders of Japan and Canada, warned that borders "must not be changed by force." They raised concerns that the proposed limits on Ukraine's military would leave it vulnerable to future attack.
A Ukrainian military plane is seen landing at Geneva's airport on November 22 ahead of a meeting between Ukrainian and US officials.
Democrats, Republicans Push Back
The plan has also received criticism among influential members of Trumps own Republican party, including a joint statement with rival Democrats that calls for changes in the proposal.
"We will not achieve that lasting peace by offering [Russian President Vladimir] Putin concession after concession and fatally degrading Ukraine's ability to defend itself,"said the statement,signed by three Democrats, one Republican, and one independent senator.
