Rubio says Ukraine meeting in Geneva ‘probably best so far’

U.S. hails ‘significant step forward’ in Ukraine ‘peace framework’ talks

The White House said on Sunday (November 23, 2025) that talks in Switzerland on a proposal to end the Ukraine war marked a “significant step forward,” and reaffirmed that any eventual deal would “fully uphold” the war-wracked country's sovereignty.

A joint U.S.-Ukraine statement released minutes later by Washington said: “As a result of the discussions, the parties drafted an updated and refined 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 try to thrash out a plan for ending the conflict, which began in February 2022 with Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

But Kyiv has sought changes to a draft that accepted a range of Moscow's hardline demands, with the 28-point plan requiring the invaded country to cede territory, cut its army and pledge never to join NATO.

U.S. senators say they spoke with Rubio about Trump's Ukraine peace plan who denied it is U.S. plan

U.S. senators slam Trump's Russia-Ukraine peace plan as rewarding ‘aggression'

Trump's Ukraine gambit | 28-point peace plan

The statement's announcement of a new draft appeared to indicate that changes were indeed made.

“The talks were constructive, focused, and respectful, underscoring the shared commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace,” the joint statement said.

“The discussions showed meaningful progress toward aligning positions and identifying clear next steps. They reaffirmed that any future agreement must fully uphold Ukraine's sovereignty and deliver a sustainable and just peace.”

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

The White House's readout said that Mr. Rubio and his team had reaffirmed Washington's commitment to “ensuring that Ukraine's sovereignty, security, and future prosperity remain central to the ongoing diplomatic process.”

Published - November 24, 2025 12:17 am IST

Ukraine / Russia / Russia-Ukraine Crisis / USA / peace negotiations / unrest, conflicts and war

Source: The Hindu
Related Posts: Chair of a House committee on China demands urgent White House briefing on TikTok deal Carney under pressure at White House talks Netanyahu to push Trump on Iran missiles in White House talks Ukraine allies to hold talks on White House peace plan at G20 Zelensky plans to meet Trump on Sunday for talks on ending Russian war Trump shifts FTC pick to White House role advising on tech and competition US Fed governor Miran resigns from White House advisor role White House has apologised over Georgia raid White House orders agencies to plan mass firings if US government shutdown hits White House outlines TikTok deal that would give US control of algorithm