Revised Ukraine Peace Framework Unveiled: Zelenskyy Praises Shift From 28 to 19 Points

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced cautious optimism after a major revision to the US-backed peace plan intended to end the conflict with Russia. The changes follow high-level discussions in Geneva involving the United States, Ukraine, and several European partners.

Ukraine has significantly reworked the original 28-point proposal, removing elements that Kyiv previously viewed as heavily skewed toward Russia's demands. The updated framework now contains 19 points. "Today our delegation returned from Geneva after negotiations with the American side and European partners. Now the list of necessary steps to end the war can become doable," Zelenskyy said. "As of now, after Geneva, there are fewer points - no longer 28 - and many of the right elements have been taken into account in this framework."

The Geneva negotiations were led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to Zelenskyy, with key European leaders participating and advocating for further adjustments.

Kyiv Says Major Work Still Ahead

Although he welcomed the revisions, Zelenskyy acknowledged that completing a comprehensive peace agreement remains difficult. "Our team has reported on the new draft of steps, and this is indeed the right approach - I will discuss the sensitive issues with President Trump. Ukraine will never be an obstacle to peace - this is our principle, a shared principle, and millions of Ukrainians are counting on, and deserve, a dignified peace," he said.

Zelenskyy added that Ukrainian officials will continue to work quickly to finalise the plan, underscoring that global backing - particularly from the United States - is essential for momentum.

US Pressure on Kyiv During Negotiations

Senior officials revealed that the United States pushed Ukraine to accept its proposals, even as Kyiv objected that the initial plan gave too many concessions to Moscow. Washington did not explicitly threaten to reduce aid, but Ukrainian officials understood that rejecting the plan could place future support at risk.

Although the pressure eased somewhat during the Geneva talks, one senior figure said that "overall pressure" to reach an agreement remained significant.

Key Revisions to the Peace Framework

European leaders played a major role in addressing Ukraine's core concerns. Provisions requiring Ukraine to surrender territory in Donbas, impose limits on its armed forces, or offer sweeping amnesty for Russian war crimes were removed. Language that would have barred NATO membership for Ukraine was also taken out.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the updated draft "significantly modified." Former US President Donald Trump also suggested approval of the shift in direction, saying "something good may be coming."

According to the White House, the Trump administration and Kyiv have found common ground on most elements of the US proposal, although no meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy is planned for this week.

Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's determination to secure peace. "We will do everything for this, and we are ready to work as quickly as possible," he said, stressing that the goal remains a "dignified peace" that safeguards Ukraine's sovereignty and security.