Germany's Merz to present Ukraine peace proposal beyond US framework

Merz said he plans to present the proposal to Ukrainian negotiators in Geneva. He added that the proposal goes beyond the comprehensive 28-point plan, referring to the US plan and European amendments.

The Chancellor did not provide further details but indicated that the proposal aims to take the first step on Thursday.

US peace plan and its revisions

Earlier this week, the United States unveiled a 28-point peace plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Under its terms, Ukraine would withdraw from Donbas, reduce the size of its Armed Forces, give up long-range weapons, and comply with several additional conditions. In return, the country would receive security guarantees akin to NATO's and regain limited portions of occupied regions, including Kharkiv, Sumy, and Mykolaiv.

Yesterday, European leaders said the proposal could serve as a basis for peace but requires significant revisions. An updated version has already been sent from Europe to Washington.

US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Kyiv, requiring agreement to the terms by November 27. He later clarified that the proposal is not final and remains subject to adjustment.

Discussions on the American plan are ongoing in Switzerland with participation from Ukraine, the United States, and European representatives. The parties are working to revise the document to make it more favorable to Kyiv.

Zelenskyy has already issued a statement following the opening round of talks in Geneva, noting that the US peace plan could incorporate elements that are critical to Ukraine's national interests.

Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, said that the current draft of the document, whose amendments are still under discussion, already incorporates most of Ukraine's key priorities.

For more on what is happening in Geneva, read RBC-Ukraine's report.