European leaders have welcomed progress in talks at Geneva on US peace proposals to end the Russia-Ukraine war. The meeting held yesterday in Switzerland discussed a 28-point peace proposal presented last week by the United States that triggered alarm in Ukraine and European capitals for heavily favouring Russia’s demands.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb, in a social media post, wrote that the negotiations were a step forward, but there are still major issues which remain to be resolved.

German Foreign Minister Johannes said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who directed the talks in Switzerland, made decisive positive contributions to ensuring that this plan can be accepted by both the European and Ukrainian sides.

Talking to the media, Mr Wadephul said, all issues concerning Europe or NATO have been removed from this plan, which is a decisive success that they achieved yesterday. Mr Rubio said the talks were worthwhile and expressed optimism that they can get something done.

The plan pressed Ukraine to consent to handing over some of its territory to Moscow and slashing the size of its army, leaving it vulnerable. The proposal also sought Europe’s agreement that Ukraine will never be admitted into the NATO military alliance, though the alliance has previously said Ukraine is on an irreversible path to membership.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, diplomacy has been reinvigorated and the Geneva meeting offered some hope for Kyiv.