KYIV — U.S. and Ukrainian officials reported Sunday that they have made significant progress on a revised plan to end Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, coinciding with a Thanksgiving deadline set by the United States. The discussions, held in Geneva, come amid mounting criticism directed at former President Donald Trump from lawmakers and his supporters regarding the proposal.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, overseeing the U.S. delegation, pushed back against claims that the original plan had roots in Russian demands. The earlier draft reportedly required Ukraine to reduce its military forces, cede territory that remained under Ukrainian control, and prohibit NATO presence, concessions that drew heavy criticism from Kyiv. However, U.S. officials indicated that the agreement has been modified.
Rubio emphasized to reporters that the initial plan was merely an early draft shaped by feedback from both sides, highlighting the “living, breathing document” nature of the ongoing negotiations. He expressed optimism about the talks, which he described as the most constructive so far, but remained tight-lipped about specific details.
While initially stressing a Thanksgiving deadline, Rubio later suggested that further discussions could extend into the future. The White House commented that the Geneva discussions were “highly productive,” leading to an “updated and refined framework” which aims to uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and achieve sustainable peace.
Ukrainian representatives voiced their concerns during the talks, focusing on security guarantees, long-term economic development, and infrastructure protection. They actively contributed revisions to the draft to ensure these issues were adequately addressed.
European officials have also been active, with France and Germany working on an alternative proposal suggesting that territorial negotiations should commence at the current frontline rather than beyond it, alongside legally binding security guarantees for Ukraine – including commitments from the U.S.
Rubio confirmed positive interactions with European national security advisers, reflecting a united front among allies regarding Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude towards U.S. leadership, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue and diplomacy.
During the negotiations, Trump publicly voiced frustration on social media about the pace of ending the war, reiterating his belief that it could be resolved quickly. His comments, however, included no condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Olha Stefanishyna, raised concerns regarding the validity of security guarantees offered after experiences from Ukraine’s past, indicating skepticism about the reliability of such commitments.
Lawmakers in the U.S. have expressed apprehension that the initially proposed plan might undermine global security by granting concessions to Russia. Criticism grew among both Republican and Democratic leaders, with calls for a more balanced approach that does not prioritize appeasement of aggressors over support for allies.
As the negotiations unfold, the urgency from the U.S. for a swift agreement contrasts with the complexity of addressing Ukrainian autonomy and security concerns, raising questions about how an acceptable balance can be achieved without compromising core interests.
Despite challenges, some experts argue that realistic dialogue remains crucial. They highlight that seeking a diplomatic resolution could pave the way for a more stable future, emphasizing that continued armed conflict benefits no party involved. The ongoing talks reflect hope, as nations strive to align interests, potentially leading to a peaceful resolution.
The outcomes of the current negotiations will be closely watched, with the looming deadline serving as a reminder of the delicate balance that pertains to U.S. foreign policy and its support for Ukraine in a time of crisis.