US and Ukraine unveil revised peace framework as talks inch forward

The United States and Ukraine say they have agreed on a revised framework to end the Russia-Ukraine war, stepping back from an earlier US proposal.

Following talks in Geneva on Sunday, officials from both sides said any agreement must “fully uphold” Ukraine’s sovereignty, announcing what they described as an “updated and refined peace framework” that remains light on concrete details.

“Both sides agreed the consultations were highly productive. The discussions showed meaningful progress toward aligning positions and identifying clear next steps,” the joint statement said, adding that the aim remains a “sustainable and just peace”.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio struck an optimistic tone, stressing that progress had been made even if the toughest issues were still on the table.

“I can tell you that the items that remain open are not insurmountable. We just need more time than what we have today. I honestly believe we’ll get there,” he told reporters in Geneva.

Rubio confirmed that changes had been made to President Donald Trump’s original 28-point plan, including adjustments relating to NATO, as Washington seeks to narrow the gap between Ukrainian and Russian positions. However, he declined to specify whether Kyiv had moved closer to accepting key Russian demands, including territorial adjustments and limits on military size.

Trump has meanwhile continued to apply pressure, accusing Kyiv of insufficient appreciation for US backing.

“UKRAINE ‘LEADERSHIP’ HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS, AND EUROPE CONTINUES TO BUY OIL FROM RUSSIA,” he wrote on Truth Social.

Shortly afterwards, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky responded by publicly thanking Washington and “personally to President Trump” for US support.

The original US blueprint caused unease in Kyiv and European capitals because it echoed several long-standing Russian positions, including proposals affecting Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk, as well as constraints on Ukraine’s military capabilities. Zelensky had earlier said the plan forced Ukraine into a stark choice between “losing dignity” or “losing a key partner”.

Rubio described the evolving proposal as a “living, breathing document” and confirmed that any final version would need to be presented to Moscow.

“Obviously, the Russians get a vote here,” he said, acknowledging that progress will depend on broader consensus.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Trump’s plan could serve as the basis for a final settlement, while cautioning that Russia would continue advancing if negotiations fail to move forward.