Russian President Vladimir Putin has forcefully rejected a European peace proposal designed to end the war in Ukraine, responding instead with a lethal aerial assault on the city of Kharkiv that claimed at least four lives.
Peace Talks Stalled in Geneva
The rejection came during negotiations in Geneva, where the UK, Germany, and France had proposed significant alterations to a 28-point peace plan originally compiled with the Kremlin by the White House. The European powers suggested barring Russia from rejoining the G8, a status it lost after the 2014 annexation of Crimea, and raising the cap on the size of Ukraine's army from 600,000 to 800,000 troops.
Ukraine’s deputy foreign minister, Sergiy Kyslytsa, indicated that the original plan had been heavily modified, stating that ‘very few things are left’ from its initial form. The Kremlin has already dismissed the revised proposal as ‘completely unconstructive’.
Military Response and Diplomatic Moves
In a stark response to the diplomatic stalemate, Russia launched a new bombardment on Kharkiv, killing at least four people. This attack underscores the severe escalation following the collapsed talks.
In a bid to break the deadlock, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may travel to Washington DC this week for discussions with US President Donald Trump. However, the White House confirmed on Monday night that no meeting has been formally scheduled yet.
US and Ukrainian officials have reportedly agreed to a separate ‘refined peace framework’, a 19-point plan. The Geneva discussions are being led by US Secretary of State Marc Rubio, with President Trump hinting that ‘something good’ was emerging from the negotiations.
International Divisions and Ukraine's Stance
The peace process faces significant hurdles due to international disagreements. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz revealed that the US is the only nation advocating for Russia to rejoin the G8, creating a major point of contention among the allies.
Further complicating matters, other US proposals are at odds with Ukraine's core demands, including potential territorial concessions and a pledge not to join NATO. In a video call with allies, President Zelensky emphasised the ongoing search for compromises that would strengthen Ukraine, not weaken it. He insisted that Russia must pay for the war and called for European countries to agree to use frozen Kremlin assets.
A spokesman for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered a measure of optimism, stating that the recent talks represented ‘a major step towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.’
