GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Despite harsh public criticism from President Donald J. Trump regarding Kyiv's perceived "ungratefulness," high-level talks in Geneva between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations have achieved "tremendous progress" toward a peace proposal to end the war.
Ukrainian chief negotiator Andriy Yermak stated that the two sides have "advanced significantly" toward establishing a "just and lasting peace." This sentiment was echoed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio who was joined by Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff calling the session the "most productive day" of negotiations to date.
Kyiv Pushes Back Against Russia's 'Wish List'
The core of the negotiations revolves around a U.S.-drafted peace plan which initially incorporated several stringent conditions favored by Russia, including territorial concessions, military force reductions, and abandoning NATO ambitions. President Trump had reportedly set a soft deadline of November 27 for Ukraine to accept the plan.
However, intense lobbying by Kyiv appears to be shifting the ground. The Ukrainian delegation indicated that the latest U.S. draft "largely reflects Kyiv's main priorities." Following the initial pushback, President Trump softened his stance, confirming that the proposal was not the "final offer," leaving room for adjustments favorable to Ukraine.
Secretary Rubio confirmed that Washington is actively considering changes to "narrow the differences," expressing confidence that the leaders of both nations will ultimately approve the final consensus.
Trump's Criticism and Europe's Cautious Stance
The progress in Geneva occurred despite a simultaneous public spat ignited by President Trump, who accused Kyiv of demonstrating "zero gratitude" for U.S. efforts. Ukraine’s immediate and public assurance that they are "grateful to the United States and personally to President Trump" underscored the diplomatic tightrope Kyiv must walk.
Meanwhile, European allies including the leaders of France, Germany, and the UK are forcefully advocating for the EU's central role in any peace accord. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated Ukraine’s right to choose its "European orientation."
France, in particular, warned that key provisions of the plan, such as Ukraine’s relationship with NATO and the fate of frozen Russian assets in Europe, must be discussed and agreed upon with all allied nations. Concerns about the plan's true origins were highlighted by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who stated that G7 nations are ready to work on the blueprint, but first "need to know clearly who the real author is and where it was drafted."
Despite Washington's insistence that the proposal is a U.S. initiative drafted after "consultation with both Russia and Ukraine" the initial inclusion of hardline Russian demands has fueled suspicion. Russian President Vladimir Putin, while welcoming the draft as a possible "foundation" for peace, simultaneously threatened to expand Russian occupation if Kyiv abandoned the talks.
The combined political pressure and diplomatic progress suggest the Ukraine conflict is entering its most complex negotiation phase yet, with the balance of power shifting daily between Washington, Kyiv, Moscow, and the European Union.