NEED TO KNOW
- All parties insist a leaked peace plan is “not theirs,” which helps nobody understand anything.
- Rubio says he simply “received a document,” which sounds like he found it under a hotel door.
- Trump gave Ukraine a deadline, although advisers say he sets deadlines the way toddlers set bedtimes.
The Geneva talks continued with a strange energy after a leaked Ukraine peace proposal confused nearly every person involved. Officials said the document suggested Ukraine should give up Crimea, limit its military, and drop its NATO plans. They added that the proposal came from an American framework with input from both sides, although no one will say who actually wrote it.
Senators said Marco Rubio explained the plan as something he received. Observers compared his tone to a man claiming a mystery briefcase showed up on his porch. The State Department said the claim was not correct and insisted the proposal did not come from a random stranger with a printer.
A Meeting With Many Stories
European advisors asked for clarity. They said a peace plan should avoid mixed messages. They also said the process should never feel like a group project where everyone denies doing the homework. Ukraine’s Andriy Yermak asked for revisions to protect sovereignty, which he described as a basic requirement in any plan, not an optional feature.
Rubio told reporters that the proposal did not come from the United States. He said he simply carried it to Geneva. He refused to say whether he skimmed it on the plane. Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff called the document a starting point, although he did not say for what. Some diplomats believe the framework came from an enthusiastic intern with strong opinions on borders.
Trump announced a deadline for Ukraine’s response. He said countries work better with due dates. Critics said he sets deadlines the way children assign chores. Supporters said deadlines bring order, although they admit the date may change by breakfast.
Everyone Wants Clarity, No One Provides It
European officials said the proposal needs major edits. They want firm guarantees for Ukraine’s future. They also want fewer surprises. Some diplomats said the document felt rushed. Others said it looked like a draft created during a long car ride. All agreed that a peace plan should not generate more questions than answers.
Ukraine asked for adjustments before offering a decision. They said the plan must reflect real security needs. They also said negotiations should stay focused, even when the people running them have different stories about the same piece of paper.
Rubio repeated that he did not write the proposal. He said he only delivered it. Trump repeated that he did not deny anything. Diplomats repeated that they want a plan that makes sense. After several hours, the group left without agreement, although they promised to meet again once the document stops reinventing itself.
Peace is hard enough without a mystery author.
