Ukraine and Allies Discuss Peace Plan in Geneva Talks

Talks began in Geneva on October 1, 2023, as Ukraine, the United States, and other Western allies gathered to discuss a peace plan aimed at ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The head of the Ukrainian delegation, presidential chief of staff Andrii Yermak, announced the first meeting with national security advisers from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany via social media.

Yermak expressed optimism following the initial discussions, stating, “We are in a very constructive mood. We continue working together to achieve a lasting and just peace for Ukraine.” The next session is set to include a delegation from the U.S., featuring Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, and special envoy Steve Witkoff.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared his hope for a positive outcome, emphasizing the necessity of stopping the bloodshed. “A positive result is needed for all of us,” he noted on Telegram. Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of close collaboration among Ukrainian and American teams, along with their European partners, to ensure that the conflict does not reignite.

The U.S.-proposed peace plan, consisting of 28 points, has raised concerns in Kyiv and across Europe. Many believe that it leans towards accommodating Russian demands, which Ukraine has consistently rejected, including concessions on territorial integrity. Zelenskyy remarked on the stark choices facing Ukraine, balancing its sovereign rights against the critical support from the U.S.

Prior to the Geneva talks, Trump stated that he desires Ukraine to accept the peace proposal by the end of the following week. “I would like to get to peace. It should have happened a long time ago,” Trump expressed, underscoring the urgency of concluding the conflict. However, he did not clarify his comments regarding the status of the peace plan.

French Minister Delegate at the Defense Ministry, Alice Rufo, emphasized the need for Ukraine to retain its defense capabilities. She criticized any limitations on the Ukrainian army, stating, “Ukraine must be able to defend itself. Russia wants war and has waged it multiple times over the years.”

Discussions surrounding the plan’s authorship have also emerged. Some U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Angus King of Maine, suggested that Rubio characterized the proposal as a Russian “wish list,” rather than a comprehensive plan from Washington. In response, Rubio refuted these claims, asserting that the proposal was indeed authored by the U.S., crafted with input from both Russian and Ukrainian perspectives.

The State Department backed Rubio, describing the assertions made by lawmakers as “blatantly false.” A senior U.S. official affirmed that the peace plan is designed as a constructive starting point for ongoing negotiations, aiming to reach a final agreement and bring an end to the conflict.

As the discussions continue, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk indicated Warsaw’s readiness to collaborate with European leaders, Canada, and Japan on the plan. He expressed the need for clarity regarding the origins of the proposal and its intended direction.

With significant implications for the future of Ukraine and its relationships with Western allies, the outcome of these talks may shape the trajectory of the ongoing conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape in Europe.