GENEVA: Washington and Kyiv emphasized that any future agreement to end the war with Russia must fully protect Ukraine’s sovereignty, following what they described as “constructive” talks among US, Ukrainian, and European officials in Geneva.
Sunday’s discussions produced “an updated and refined peace framework,” according to a joint US–Ukraine statement, after negotiations began with a US proposal widely criticized for leaning toward Russian demands.
President Donald Trump had set a November 27 deadline for Ukraine to accept his plan to end the conflict, now nearing its fourth year since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Kyiv, however, sought revisions to a draft that incorporated several of Moscow’s toughest conditions, including territorial concessions, reductions to Ukraine’s military, and a pledge never to join NATO.
“The talks were constructive, focused, and respectful, underscoring the shared commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace,” the statement said. Both sides reaffirmed that any agreement must safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and ensure a “sustainable and just” outcome, noting “meaningful progress.” They pledged to continue refining the proposals in the days ahead.
Even as the White House called the negotiations “a significant step forward,” a Russian drone strike on Kharkiv killed four people, the city’s mayor reported.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the delegations made “tremendous” progress, while Ukrainian delegation head Andriy Yermak similarly described the day’s outcome as “very good progress.” Kyiv officials said the latest version of the US draft “already reflects most of Ukraine’s key priorities,” though the document has not yet been released publicly.
Rubio, joined by Jared Kushner and diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff, said negotiators had substantially narrowed their disagreements. “The items that remain open are not insurmountable,” he said. Any final deal, he added, must ultimately be approved by the two presidents and will require further work before being presented to the Kremlin, which had initially welcomed the earlier draft. “Obviously, the Russians get a vote,” he noted.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. Turkey has previously hosted three rounds of talks aimed at ending the conflict.
Tensions over ‘gratitude’
The negotiations unfolded amid sharp comments from Trump, who wrote on Truth Social that Ukraine’s leadership had shown “zero gratitude” for US efforts. He also criticized European countries for not doing enough, without directly reproaching Russia.
Shortly afterward, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X that Ukraine remained “grateful to the United States… and personally to President Trump” for assistance that “has been saving Ukrainian lives.”
Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov condemned Sunday’s deadly drone strike on Telegram, calling it “truly horrible” that Russian forces continued attacking civilian areas even as peace negotiations were underway.
Rubio later said he believed Trump was “quite pleased” with the progress reported to him. Asked whether a deal could be reached by Thursday, he replied that the goal was simply to finalize an agreement “as soon as possible,” adding, “I feel very optimistic that we’re going to get there in a very reasonable period of time.”
Europe asserts its role
The initial US plan was drafted without the involvement of Europe’s key partners, prompting European leaders to press for a greater role in shaping the negotiations and strengthening Kyiv’s position. EU states are expected to discuss the situation Monday on the sidelines of a summit with African leaders in Angola.
“Ukraine must have the freedom and sovereign right to choose its own destiny. They have chosen a European destiny,” EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, stressing that the European Union’s “central” role must be reflected in any peace agreement.
Several leaders spoke with Trump on Sunday. Downing Street said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the US president agreed on the need for close coordination “at this critical moment to bring about a just and lasting peace.”
