Ukraine and U.S. Set for Critical Talks in Switzerland to Address Trumps Controversial Peace Proposal

Ukraine and the United States are set to convene in Switzerland shortly to discuss Washington’s proposal aimed at concluding the conflict with Russia. This information was shared by Kyiv on Saturday, as it seeks to modify the plan to address some of Moscow’s stringent conditions.

President Donald Trump has given Ukraine under a week to ratify the 28-point proposal designed to resolve the nearly four-year-long conflict. This plan would require the nation, which has been invaded, to relinquish territory, reduce its military forces, and pledge never to join NATO.

At the same time, Ukraine’s European allies, who were not involved in the plan’s formulation, have stated that it necessitates «further refinement.» They have been working tirelessly during the G20 summit in South Africa to devise a counter-offer that would strengthen Kyiv’s position.

«In the next few days, discussions will occur with partners to determine the necessary steps to bring an end to the war,» President Volodymyr Zelensky declared. He also announced a decree naming Ukraine’s delegation for the talks, which will be led by his chief advisor, Andriy Yermak.

“Our negotiators are well-versed in defending Ukraine’s national interests and in what is required to avert a third Russian invasion,” Zelensky emphasized.

The wartime leader has also been conducting phone conversations with European leaders, having pledged to work relentlessly to ensure that the ultimate peace agreement safeguards Ukraine’s future.

Rustem Umerov, the secretary of Ukraine’s National Security Council and another participant in the discussions, suggested Switzerland as the meeting’s venue.

“This represents a new phase in the ongoing dialogue, primarily focused on harmonizing our approach for upcoming actions,” Umerov noted. Previously, he led several negotiation rounds with Russia in Turkey, which resulted in prisoner swaps and repatriation of bodies.

Zelensky’s decree also mentioned that the talks would feature “representatives from the Russian Federation.” Russia has yet to confirm its participation in the discussions.

The unilateral U.S. initiative to resolve the conflict in Ukraine “serves as a foundation that will warrant further adjustments,” asserted Western leaders gathered for the G20 summit in South Africa on Saturday.

“We firmly believe that borders should not be altered through force. We are also alarmed by the suggested restrictions on Ukraine’s military forces, which could leave the country susceptible to future attacks,” the leaders of several key European nations, along with Canada and Japan, stated in a collective declaration.

French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed a grave message to the assembly, remarking that “the G20 may be approaching the end of its cycle,” noting the group’s struggle to address significant global crises, alluding to the U.S. plan for resolving the war in Ukraine.

Britain, Germany, and France have emerged as major supporters of Ukraine, providing vital military and financial assistance, particularly as U.S. support has diminished following Trump’s return to office.

In an address to the nation on Friday, Zelensky highlighted that Ukraine is encountering one of the most formidable challenges in its history, indicating he would present alternatives to Trump’s proposal.

“The pressure on Ukraine is among the heaviest. We may soon confront a very difficult choice: either lose our dignity or risk the loss of an essential partner,” Zelensky stated, referring to a potential rift with Washington.

Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked that the proposed framework could “serve as a basis” for a final peace agreement, but he warned of additional territorial claims if Ukraine were to withdraw from negotiations.

With a better-equipped and larger military, the Russian army is progressively gaining ground across the extensive front lines.

Meanwhile, Ukrainians are bracing for one of the most challenging winters since the onset of the war, following Moscow’s devastating bombing campaign targeting energy infrastructure.

In Kyiv, a major corruption investigation uncovering corruption within the energy sector is causing public outrage.