US hails ‘significant step forward’ in Ukraine ‘peace framework’ talks

The White House said on Sunday that talks in Switzerland on a proposal to end the Ukraine war were “an important step forward” and reaffirmed that a final agreement would “fully support” the war-torn country’s sovereignty.

A joint US-Ukraine statement issued by Washington minutes later said: “As a result of the discussions, the parties prepared an updated and refined draft peace framework.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio led a U.S. delegation that met with Ukrainian and European officials in Geneva on Sunday to work on a plan to end the conflict that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
US President Donald Trump had given Ukraine until November 27 to approve his controversial plan to end the conflict that has been going on for nearly four years.

But Kiev has asked for changes to the draft, which accepts a series of harsh demands from Moscow, with a 28-point plan requiring the occupied country to give up its territory, cut its army and promise never to join NATO.

In the joint statement, the announcement of a new draft appeared to indicate that changes had indeed been made. “The talks were constructive, focused and respectful, underscoring our shared determination to achieve a just and lasting peace.” The discussions showed meaningful progress towards harmonizing positions and clearly defining next steps. “They reaffirmed that any future agreement must fully support Ukraine’s sovereignty and ensure a sustainable and just peace.”

Both sides pledged to continue working on joint proposals “in the coming days.”

Rubio and his team reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to “ensuring that Ukraine’s sovereignty, security and future prosperity remain at the center of the ongoing diplomatic process,” the White House statement said.