Geneva (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK officials will join Geneva talks on US President Trump’s Ukraine peace plan, calling for meaningful negotiations and protections for Ukraine.
As reported by The Standard, a Cabinet minister said Ukraine’s allies must “open up space for meaningful negotiations” ahead of discussions with US, Ukrainian, and European officials on Donald Trump’s peace plan.
Who will represent the US, UK, and Ukraine in the Geneva peace talks?
Jonathan Powell, the UK’s national security adviser, is set to join the Geneva talks with US, Ukrainian, and European representatives on Sunday. Washington will be represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff.
The meeting will also include Ukraine’s Andriy Yermak, US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, and national security advisers from Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and the EU.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and allied leaders have criticized the US-drafted Ukraine plan, warning it could force Kyiv to reduce its military and give up territory.
In a joint statement after G20 talks in South Africa, officials said the US plan, drafted with Moscow, serves as “a basis” but requires further work.
How did Heidi Alexander respond to the US peace plan for Ukraine?
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said,
“We have been clear that there are elements of the peace plan that he has proposed that are essential for a just and lasting peace. It does require some additional work.”
She called on Ukraine’s allies to find a way to maintain the ceasefire and enable meaningful negotiations.
Ms Alexander maintained that the UK’s voice “does count,” saying,
“Our relationship with the US is one of seeking to influence to facilitate that dialogue with other global leaders.”
What did Sir Keir Starmer say about Ukraine’s 28-point peace plan?
Sir Keir Starmer has held talks with Donald Trump, agreeing that their teams will work together on the US-led peace plan for Ukraine.
A Downing Street spokesperson said the Prime Minister briefed Mr Trump on talks with the Coalition of the Willing at the G20 summit in South Africa and will speak again on Sunday.
Mr Starmer said the Article Five security guarantee reinforces his belief that the US president seeks a “just and lasting peace.”
The prime minister added,
“We are concerned about (caps on military) because it’s fundamental that Ukraine has to be able to defend itself if there’s a ceasefire.”
He said,
“There are elements in the 28-point plan which are essential to lasting peace, but it requires additional work, and that we are going to engage on that.”
The Labour leader continued,
“And that’s why there’s been the agreement that in Geneva tomorrow, you’ll have senior US personnel, you’ll have European NSAs, including the UK NSA, and obviously Ukrainians there to work further on the draft.”
He added,
“That’s about the strongest guarantee that can be put forward. And so that fortifies in me the belief that what we’re all trying to achieve here is a just and lasting peace.”
How was the Ukrainian and European meeting in Geneva on Donald Trump’s peace plan?
Ahead of talks with a US delegation, Ukrainian and European officials met in Geneva for a constructive session on Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan.
Andriy Yermak, an ally of Volodymyr Zelensky, said,
“The Ukrainian delegation, appointed by President Zelensky, began work in Geneva.”
He stated,
“Held the first meeting with the national security advisors of the leaders of Great Britain, France, and Germany: Jonathan Powell, Emmanuel Bonn, and Gunther Sautter.”
Mr Yermak added,
“The next meeting is with the US delegation. We are very constructive. In general, a number of meetings in various formats are planned for today. We continue to work together to achieve a sustainable and just peace for Ukraine.”
What did Volodymyr Zelenskyy say about the Geneva talks on Ukraine?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Geneva talks have activated diplomacy and created conditions for “constructive” dialogue.
The Ukrainian leader stated,
“The Ukrainian and American teams, the teams of our European partners, are in close contact, and I really hope that there will be a result.”
Mr Zelensky added,
“We need to stop the bloodshed and ensure that the war is not ignited again. I look forward to the results of today’s talks, and I hope that all participants will be constructive. We need a positive result for all of us.”
In another statement, he said,
“Already today, our advisors will be working in Switzerland with representatives of the United States, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. But in parallel with the diplomatic track, we must do everything to strengthen our defense against such wicked Russian attacks.”
Mr Zelensky continued,
“It is extremely important to speed up the implementation of all our agreements with partners regarding air defense systems and missiles for them. I thank everyone who helps protect lives. I thank everyone who works for peace.”
What are the key points in the Ukraine draft plan to end the war?
According to the proposed plan, Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk would be recognised as de facto Russian, with US support. Kyiv still controls parts of Luhansk and Donetsk, while Crimea has been under Russian control since 2014.
Under the draft plan, Ukraine’s military would be reduced to 600,000 troops. NATO would not deploy forces in the country, ending Kyiv’s hopes for a European peacekeeping mission, and Ukraine would be barred from joining the alliance.
The proposal would see Russia reintegrated into the global economy and regain its seat in the G8. It also expects Russia to avoid further invasions, while NATO would not expand further.