U.S.-Proposed Peace Plan for Ukraine Discussed in Geneva Talks
Initial Meetings Between Delegations
On November 23, 2025, talks in Geneva commenced regarding a U.S.-proposed peace plan aimed at ending Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The Ukrainian delegation, led by presidential chief of staff Andrii Yermak, announced via social media that they had engaged in their first meeting with national security advisers from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Yermak expressed optimism about the discussions, stating, “The next meeting is with the U.S. delegation. We are in a very constructive mood,” and emphasized the continued collaboration to achieve “a lasting and just peace for Ukraine.”
Composition of the U.S. Delegation
The U.S. delegation is expected to include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, and special envoy Steve Witkoff. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conveyed his anticipation for a positive outcome, stressing the urgency to halt bloodshed and ensure that the conflict will not reignite. He stated, “A positive result is needed for all of us… I very much hope there will be a result.”
Concerns Over the U.S. Plan
The 28-point peace plan proposed by the U.S. has raised concerns in Kyiv and among European allies, who fear that it overly accommodates Russian demands, some of which Ukraine has repeatedly rejected, including territorial concessions. EU leaders united in a joint statement on Saturday, asserting that while the plan has “important elements essential for a just and lasting peace,” further revisions are necessary.
Zelenskyy pointed out the precarious position Ukraine might face between defending its sovereignty and maintaining vital U.S. support.
Divergent Views on the Plan’s Nature
President Trump has stated his desire for Ukraine to accept the plan by the end of the upcoming week, reiterating the need for peace in the region. He remarked, “The Ukraine war with Russia should have never happened… start way or the other, we have to get it ended.”
Further, concerns regarding the potential limitations on the Ukrainian military outlined in the plan were raised by Alstart Rufo, the French minister delegate at the Defense Ministry, who described those elements as a “limitation on its sovereignty.” Rufo underlined that “Ukraine must be able to defend itself,” referencing Russia’s historical aggression.
Questions Regarding the Plan’s Authorship
Amidst these discussions, some U.S. lawmakers have suggested that Rubio characterized the plan as a Russian “wish list” rather than a substantial U.S.-led proposal. A bipartisan group of senators shared that Rubio had indicated the plan “was not the administration’s plan.” However, Rubio countered these claims, asserting that the proposal was indeed authored by the U.S., incorporating insights from both Russia and Ukraine.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott called accusations that the proposal was a mere Russian wish list “blatantly false,” reiterating that the peace initiative was the result of ongoing dialogue with both sides. A senior U.S. official affirmed that the plan serves as a starting point for continued negotiations, aiming for a final peace agreement.
Conclusion
As negotiations unfold in Geneva, the complexities surrounding the U.S.-proposed peace plan highlight the fragile state of international diplomacy regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With various stakeholders involved, the coming days will reveal whether a consensus can be reached to ensure lasting peace in the region.