Ukraine, E3 to start Geneva talks; Rubio rejects Russia ‘wish list’ claim

As ambiguity and deep-seated doubts abound over the success of Washington’s 28-point plan to end the war with Russia, senior Ukrainian, European, British, and American officials will soon begin discussions in Geneva.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as President Donald Trump’s top representative at the talks, giving his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy until Thursday to accept the deal.

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Before taking off for Switzerland, Rubio made it clear in a Sunday post on X that the US had written the proposal.

He wrote, “It is provided as a strong framework for ongoing negotiations.” It is based on input from Russia, the author says. However, it also draws on Ukraine’s ongoing and previous input.

The comments were in opposition to a claim made by a panel of veteran US senators who were most concerned with foreign policy that the plan was a Russian “wish list” rather than the actual proposal offering Washington’s positions.

Republican Mike Rounds from South Dakota claimed that the current form of this release, which “looked more like it was written in Russian”

The claim was called “blatantly false,” according to State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott.

The senators earlier on Saturday warned other leaders who had threatened their neighbors that the plan would only “reward aggression” by Moscow.

The plan’s critics claim that it heavily reflects the Kremlin’s frequent demands and war narrative.

The plan also includes reducing Ukraine’s military size and promoting its sovereignty, as well as laying out a security guarantee that it won’t be attacked in the future.

Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, welcomed the proposal late on Friday, saying it “could form the foundation of a final peace agreement” if Washington can appoint Ukraine and its allies in Europe.

Zelenskyy promises to “work calmly” with the US and his Western allies to get through what he calls “truly one of the most difficult moments in our history,” despite the country’s cautious attitude toward its rhetoric.

Further discussions are required, according to Ukraine’s European allies, who claim that the military restrictions would make it “vulnerable to future attack” .

National security advisors will be present at the Geneva discussions in France, the UK, and Germany, also known as the E3.

As fierce fighting persuades the US-led diplomatic efforts, the conflict is getting worse.