Kyiv, Ukraine / Johannesburg, South Africa – Ukraine and the United States are set to launch high-level consultations in Switzerland in the coming days to discuss Washington’s plan for ending the nearly four-year-long conflict with Russia. Kyiv has stated that the U.S. proposal, put forward by President Donald Trump, currently includes several of Russia’s hardline demands.
The news comes as Ukraine faces mounting pressure, with President Trump reportedly giving Kyiv less than a week to approve the 28-point plan. The proposal would require Ukraine to make significant concessions, including ceding Moscow-controlled territory, capping its army at 600,000 personnel, and pledging to never join NATO nor host NATO troops.
Kyiv Confirms Talks and Internal Pressure
Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the Security Council and a member of Ukraine’s negotiating team, confirmed the upcoming meeting on social media. “In the coming days in Switzerland we are launching consultations between senior officials of Ukraine and the United States on the possible parameters of a future peace agreement,” Umerov wrote, framing it as a continuation of dialogue aimed at aligning visions for the next steps.
President Zelensky appointed his top aide, Andriy Yermak, to lead the negotiating team. Crucially, a presidential decree indicated that the talks will also include “representatives of the Russian Federation,” though there has been no immediate confirmation from Moscow on its participation.
In an address to the nation, President Zelensky called this “one of the most challenging moments” in the country’s history. He vowed to propose alternatives to the U.S. plan but acknowledged the immense pressure: “Ukraine may face a very difficult choice: either the loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner,” referring to a possible break with Washington.
Controversial Terms and European Scramble
The core of the controversial U.S. plan involves:
- Territorial Concessions: Recognizing territories controlled by Moscow as “de facto” Russian and requiring a Ukrainian troop pullout from parts of the Donetsk region.
- Security & Military: Capping the Ukrainian army size and ruling out NATO membership or NATO troop deployment.
In return, the plan offers Ukraine unspecified “reliable security guarantees” and a reconstruction fund sourced from some Russian assets frozen abroad. Meanwhile, Russia would gain territory, be reintegrated into the global economy, and rejoin the G8. Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested the blueprint could “lay the foundation” for peace but threatened further land seizures if Ukraine refuses negotiations.
European allies, notably not included in the drafting of the agreement, were scrambling at the G20 summit in South Africa to form a joint response. French President Emmanuel Macron sent a sombre message, stating the G20 might be “coming to the end of a cycle” as it struggles to resolve major crises, specifically citing the new unilateral U.S. plan.
Mr. Macron met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the summit, which the U.S. boycotted. Mr. Starmer confirmed the aim was to “look at how we can strengthen this plan for the next phase of negotiations.”
On the Ground and Domestic Challenges
The urgency of the diplomatic efforts is underscored by the situation on the ground. The Russian army, described as better equipped and larger, is slowly but steadily gaining ground across the lengthy front line.
Furthermore, Ukrainians are entering one of the toughest winters since the war began following a brutal Russian bombing campaign against energy infrastructure. This period of hardship is compounded by a sweeping corruption probe in Kyiv, which has unveiled graft in the energy sector and sparked a public outcry.
