Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism following a new round of consultations in Geneva aimed at advancing a framework to end the war in Ukraine. In a message released shortly after the Ukrainian delegation returned to Kyiv, the president noted that meaningful progress had been achieved, though several key issues still require further negotiation before a final text can be agreed.

Zelenskyy emphasized that the most sensitive elements of the emerging plan will be addressed directly with U.S. President Donald Trump, underscoring that final decisions must be taken at the highest political level. The discussions in Geneva focused on narrowing the gap between the U.S. proposal and Ukraine’s positions, with Kyiv seeking firm guarantees for sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

“Ukraine will never stand in the way of peace — this is our principle, our shared principle — and millions of Ukrainians expect and deserve a just and sustainable peace,” Zelenskyy said, reiterating that any agreement must safeguard the country’s long-term security.

Zelenskyy’s full message:

“Today our delegation returned from Geneva, following negotiations with the American side and our European partners. We now have a clearer, more operational list of steps needed to bring the war to an end. For the moment, after the discussions in Geneva, the number of outstanding points has been reduced — it is no longer 28 — and many have rightly been incorporated into the working document. There is still much that we must all continue to work on together. It is not easy, but we must arrive at a final text, and we must do so with dignity. We value the readiness of most of the international community to help us, and we appreciate the constructive approach of the American side. Yesterday’s meetings lasted all day — a difficult and extremely detailed effort.

Our team presented a new draft of the proposed measures today, and this is indeed the correct approach. The most sensitive issues — truly sensitive — I will discuss directly with President Trump. Ukraine will never be an obstacle to peace; this is our principle, our shared principle, and millions of Ukrainians expect and deserve a decent and lasting peace. We will do everything necessary to achieve it, and we are ready to work as quickly as required.”