'Something good may be happening': Trump signals optimism on Ukraine peace talks as revised US plan takes shape

Last week, Washington presented Kyiv and its European partners with a 28-point peace proposal, a move that reportedly caught many off guard. Ukraine was given until Thursday to respond to the framework, which would shape the path forward in what remains Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.

Sources familiar with the matter say Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could travel to the United States as early as this week to discuss the most sensitive aspects of the proposal directly with Trump.

The original plan outlined by Washington included several conditions seen as highly controversial in Ukraine. These reportedly included ceding additional territory, limiting the size and capability of Ukraine’s military, and abandoning its ambition to join NATO, all of which echo long-standing Russian demands.

Ukraine urges protection of sovereignty

Although a revised draft of the plan was discussed during talks in Geneva, it has not yet been made public. However, all sides agreed that any final agreement must “uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty."

Zelenskyy, speaking on Monday, described the situation as a “critical moment" for his country. He reiterated concerns raised last week, when he said Ukraine faced a stark choice between preserving its “dignity" or risking the loss of US support.

“To achieve real peace, more, more is needed. Of course we all continue working with partners, especially the United States, and look for compromises that strengthen but not weaken us," the Ukrainian leader said.

Russia signals conditional openness

Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that the original US proposal could serve as a foundation for a possible agreement, though Moscow continues to insist on conditions Kyiv has repeatedly rejected.

The Kremlin currently controls large parts of southern and eastern Ukraine, including Crimea, which it seized in 2014. It also wants formal recognition of the territories it occupies and demands that Ukraine withdraw forces from the remaining Ukrainian-held areas of the Donetsk region.

These conditions have been firmly dismissed by Kyiv as unacceptable.

US officials cite progress

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said meaningful headway had been made during the negotiations. “Tremendous" progress has been achieved, he said, adding, “I honestly believe we’ll get there." However, he acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, “Obviously, the Russians get a vote."

As discussions continue and a revised framework takes shape, uncertainty remains over whether a compromise acceptable to all sides can be reached or whether the talks will stall over unresolved territorial and security demands.