Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the contentious issue of Russian sovereignty over occupied territories during discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Speaking on Monday, Zelenskyy deemed this issue crucial in the context of negotiations with U.S. officials, particularly as President Trump seeks to broker a peace agreement by Thanksgiving.
In weekend talks held in Switzerland, U.S. and Ukrainian representatives deliberated a 28-point proposal from the White House designed to facilitate discussions. A potential visit by Zelenskyy to the U.S. was also on the agenda, as reported by CBS News. Trump has described the Thanksgiving timeline as flexible and indicated that the proposal discussed was not final.
During his address to the Swedish Parliament, Zelenskyy underscored that one of the main sticking points in the U.S. plan was the call for international recognition of certain territories claimed by Russian forces, which he argued would undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity. “Putin wants legal recognition to what he has stolen,” Zelenskyy stated, highlighting the fundamental challenges facing the negotiations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who participated in the Geneva talks, noted that significant progress had been made but acknowledged that critical issues remained unresolved. He expressed optimism about the discussions, asserting that the engagement in Geneva was among the most productive since Trump’s return to office.
Despite the cautious optimism articulated by U.S. officials, there is a palpable sense of urgency surrounding the peace talks. Ukrainian officials reported that a recent drone strike in Kharkiv resulted in casualties, underscoring the ongoing violence even as diplomatic efforts continue.
The U.S. State Department characterized the discussions as leading to an “updated and refined peace framework.” However, Russia’s government stated that it had not yet been privy to the revisions, emphasizing that Moscow’s position remains open to dialogue but dependent on the receptiveness of Ukraine to the proposed terms.
As tensions continue, the 28-point plan has raised concerns among European allies, perceived by some as overly conciliatory to Russia. Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S., Olga Stefanishyna, expressed skepticism regarding the plan, emphasizing that it does not adequately address the quest for justice and accountability in light of the conflict.
While the negotiations face significant obstacles, the conversations in Geneva represent a continued commitment from both sides to seek a resolution. The complexities of territorial disputes and the ramifications of the ongoing war remain critical themes as officials navigate the challenging landscape of peace talks. The outcome of these discussions could have far-reaching effects on the stability of the region and the broader international community.