The US presented a plan, composed of 28 points, as a starting point for a ceasefire in Ukraine and the beginning of a potential peace process between the country and Russia. But as soon as the plan became known, negative reactions quickly emerged – both from Kiev and from European countries. This is because the plan included the cession of territory, the reduction of the army, and Ukraine's renunciation of NATO membership. And without the country having been directly consulted in the drafting of this plan.
This Sunday, meetings between Ukrainian, European, and American leaders allowed for a new point of understanding between the parties. No one is saying for sure what this understanding consists of, and everyone implies that there are still rough edges to smooth out (that is to say, proposals that do not have the agreement of all parties).
It is the President of the European Council himself, António Costa, who speaks of"significant progress" in negotiations on a peace plan for Ukraine. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed this Monday that Europe will have to approve all aspects involving its security in a future peace agreement in Ukraine."It is important for us that a peace plan for Ukraine cannot be established without our agreement on issues affecting European interests and European sovereignty," stated Friedrich Merz, on the sidelines of the EU-Africa summit taking place in Luanda, Angola.
"The talks served to reach an agreement on a common position between Ukraine, the US and the EU regarding Russia," he said, noting that a common position among European leaders is now being coordinated. Merz also wants Russia at the negotiating table.
"Russia has to be at the negotiating table. If that happens, all efforts will have been justified; if not, efforts will have to be redoubled," stressed the German Chancellor, adding that it will be"a laborious process" that is not expected to end this week.
On the Russian side, according to Reuters, no official information about the peace process has reached the country's leaders.
A joint statement between Ukraine and the US points towards convergence and positive progress regarding the original 28-point plan, but without definitive agreements yet. Both sides speak of an"improved peace framework," according to Reuters, after negotiations that took place in Geneva, Switzerland, this Sunday.
The Ukrainian delegation will report directly to President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday on the outcome of the negotiations. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump posted a somewhat enigmatic message on the social network Truth Social:"Could it be that great progress is being made in the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine? Don't believe it until you see it, but something good might be happening."
Trump himself, who two days ago attacked Volodymyr Zelensky, saying that the"Ukrainian leadership has shown zero gratitude for our efforts." This unease seems to have been resolved over the weekend. But the fragility of the relationship is evident to all and even warranted a comment from the Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk:"This is a delicate matter and nobody wants to discourage the Americans and President Trump from having the US on our side in this process."
