The United States and Ukraine have announced they have developed an “updated and refined” 28-point peace framework designed to end the war with Russia, following widespread criticism of an earlier draft viewed as overly favorable to Moscow. Investing.com+2ABC+2
In a joint statement after talks in Geneva, U.S. and Ukrainian delegations described the discussions as “highly productive” and said negotiations would continue in the coming days. Investing.com The White House confirmed that the revised proposal includes strengthened security guarantees and that Ukraine’s own delegation regards it as aligned with its national interests. ABC
The earlier 28-point plan, apparently first proposed by Trump-era officials, sparked major backlash. Its leaked details suggested Ukraine might have to concede territory to Russia, significantly reduce its military size, and abandon any future bid to join NATO. The Guardian+2Al Jazeera+2 Under that draft:
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Ukraine’s armed forces would be capped at 600,000 personnel. Al Jazeera+1
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Ukraine would have to constitutionally commit to not join NATO, and NATO would agree not to station troops in the country. The Washington Post
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Some regions currently contested or under Ukrainian control would be affected: the plan reportedly calls for a “demilitarized buffer zone” in parts of Donbas and recognized “de facto” status for other Russian-claimed territories. Al Jazeera+1
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The plan includes economic arrangements: $100 billion of frozen Russian assets would be used for Ukraine’s reconstruction, but part of the funds might be channeled via a U.S.-Russia joint investment vehicle. Al Jazeera
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There would be a comprehensive non-aggression pact among Ukraine, Russia, and Europe. Al Jazeera+1
European leaders—including from Germany, France, and the U.K.—have strongly pushed back. They released their own 28-point counter-proposal, rejecting major elements of the U.S. draft. Their version would:
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Avoid forcing Ukraine to cede territory, instead suggesting that territorial talks begin only after a ceasefire and based on the current lines of contact. India Today
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Allow Ukraine a larger peacetime military (the European draft proposes up to 800,000 soldiers, versus 600,000 in the U.S. draft). India Today
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Not bar Ukraine from future NATO membership. India Today
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Use frozen Russian assets directly for rebuilding Ukraine, without funneling profits via a U.S.-Russia investment fund. India Today
Officials in Geneva have emphasized that despite the tensions, both the U.S. and Ukraine want a deal that “respects Ukrainian sovereignty.” The Guardian
