U.S. president Donald Trump signaled on Saturday that Washington’s controversial proposal to end the war in Ukraine may not be the final version, a shift that comes as global officials arrive in Geneva for a diplomatic summit aimed at testing whether a negotiated settlement is even possible. The comments follow days of criticism from Ukrainian leaders who described the initial terms as deeply unfavorable and reminiscent of historical concessions that failed to secure lasting peace.

Trump told reporters at the White House that the plan was “not my final offer,” insisting that adjustments remained possible despite the administration’s formal submission of a detailed framework earlier in the week. The proposal, which includes territorial concessions to Russia, limits on Ukraine’s long-term security arrangements, and a phased rollback of U.S. military support, has drawn sharp responses both in Kyiv and across Europe.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the plan forces Ukraine to choose between dignity and dependence, warning that the terms effectively reward Russia for its invasion while undermining Ukraine’s future security. Several European allies privately expressed similar concerns, according to diplomats familiar with the discussions, arguing that a poorly calibrated agreement could fracture support for Ukraine at a critical moment.

The Geneva summit opens under that shadow. Officials from the United States, the European Union, and several non-aligned states are expected to engage in a series of technical sessions focused on ceasefire logistics, border monitoring, and the status of occupied territories. Though Russia is not formally represented, Moscow has been briefed on several components of the U.S. plan, and Kremlin officials have signaled cautious interest in a negotiated pathway that could freeze the conflict on terms favorable to Russian positions.

Trump’s acknowledgment that the proposal may change adds unpredictability to a summit already defined by conflicting expectations. Administration advisers say the president is attempting to project flexibility while keeping pressure on Kyiv to view the U.S. framework as the baseline for negotiations. Critics warn that such ambiguity risks weakening Ukraine’s bargaining position and could create fractures within the Western coalition.

Inside Washington, reactions remain divided. Some lawmakers view Trump’s comments as a pragmatic attempt to keep diplomatic channels open. Others see them as a sign that the administration is already recalibrating in response to political and military realities, particularly Ukraine’s warnings that the proposal could undermine its territorial integrity and public support for talks.

Analysts say the stakes are significant. A revised U.S. proposal that leans further toward Russian demands could strain relations with European governments already uneasy about shifting American priorities. A plan that moves closer to Kyiv’s position could prompt Moscow to disengage completely from informal diplomatic backchannels. Either outcome will shape the trajectory of the conflict heading into 2026.

For Ukraine, the message from Washington underscores a persistent challenge. The country remains dependent on U.S. military and financial support, but it is pushing back more forcefully against terms that could set a precedent for territorial compromise. Zelenskyy’s team is expected to present counterproposals in Geneva, aiming to highlight alternative pathways for de-escalation that preserve Ukrainian sovereignty without forcing Kyiv into concessions it considers unacceptable.

The Geneva summit will test how aligned the United States and Europe remain after months of evolving political landscapes, shifting public opinion, and intensifying pressure to find a political solution. For now, Trump’s declaration that the offer is not final has bought negotiators more space, but it has also introduced a new layer of uncertainty into an already complex diplomatic moment.