European officials expressed cautious optimism on Monday regarding the recent Geneva talks on a U.S.-proposed peace plan for Ukraine, acknowledging progress while emphasizing that significant challenges remain. The discussions, held in Switzerland, centered on a 28-point proposal presented by the United States, which has sparked concern in Kyiv and European capitals due to its perceived favoritism toward Russia. The plan reportedly urges Ukraine to cede territory to Moscow, reduce its military size, and abandon aspirations for NATO membership—a contentious point given NATO’s previous commitment to Ukraine’s eventual inclusion.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb described the negotiations as a ‘step forward’ but highlighted unresolved issues in a post on social media platform X. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, facing mounting domestic and military pressures, welcomed the diplomatic efforts, calling them ‘very good.’ However, the path to peace remains fraught with uncertainty. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that Russian officials had yet to review the revised plan and confirmed no immediate plans for further U.S.-Russia talks, though Moscow remains open to dialogue.
German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul praised U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s role in the talks, particularly his efforts to address European and Ukrainian concerns. Rubio described the discussions as the most productive in ‘a very long time,’ expressing optimism about reaching a resolution. Meanwhile, Turkey continues to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan set to discuss the 2022 Black Sea grain deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The agreement, which allowed Ukraine to export grain safely, collapsed last year after Moscow accused the West of failing to honor related commitments.
Despite diplomatic efforts, the war’s grim reality persists. Russian drone strikes on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, killed four people and injured 13, including children. The attacks damaged residential buildings, an educational facility, and power lines, underscoring the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Ukraine’s air force reported 162 Russian drones fired overnight, with Romania scrambling fighter jets in response to incursions near its border. The juxtaposition of diplomatic progress and relentless violence highlights the complex and fragile nature of the conflict.