Geneva Talks Yield Progress, But Deep Divisions Remain in Ukraine War Negotiations
Despite a lack of specific details, US and Ukrainian officials have reported substantive progress in efforts to end the ongoing war with Russia following recent negotiations in Geneva. The talks, however, underscored the significant disagreements that continue to divide Moscow and Kyiv, leaving the path to a lasting peace far from certain.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the discussions as “tremendous” and among the most productive to date, expressing optimism that a resolution could be reached “in a very reasonable period of time.” However, Rubio cautioned against premature declarations of success, emphasizing that “still some work to be done.”
The core of the negotiations centers around a 28-point plan, the specifics of which remain largely undisclosed. A key point of contention appears to be the potential for Ukraine to cede territory in the Donbas region, currently under Kyiv’s control. Rubio declined to comment on whether any breakthroughs were achieved on this or other sensitive issues. The final agreement, he stated, will require approval from both the Ukrainian and US presidents before being presented to Moscow.
A joint statement released by the US and Ukraine described the talks as “constructive, focused, and respectful,” noting “meaningful progress toward aligning positions and identifying clear next steps.” The statement reaffirmed the commitment to any future agreement fully upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty and delivering a “sustainable and just peace.”
The negotiations unfolded against a backdrop of political turbulence. US President Donald Trump publicly criticized European and Ukrainian leaders on social media for failing to secure a truce, adding a layer of complexity to the diplomatic efforts. Sources indicate the White House has been actively pressuring Ukraine and its allies to reach a deal with Moscow, a strategy that has raised concerns among European capitals and within Washington about potential concessions to Russia.
The weekend was marked by what one source described as “diplomatic whiplash.” After initially urging Ukraine to accept the deal by Thursday, Trump later suggested the plan was not America’s “final offer.” Rubio reportedly attempted to distance the US from the proposal, only to reaffirm US authorship hours later. “The situation within the Trump administration is messy,” a European official stated.
High-level delegations from both sides participated in the Geneva talks. Alongside Rubio, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, special envoy Steve Witkoff – one of the plan’s architects – and US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, a close ally of Vice President JD Vance, represented the US. The Ukrainian delegation was led by Andriy Yermak, head of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office, and Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council. Representatives from France, Germany, the UK, and the European Union also joined the discussions.
Rubio assured European officials that any aspects of the plan directly impacting Europe or NATO would be addressed in a “separate track,” acknowledging the need for their input.
The proposals have sparked division among Republican lawmakers in the US. While some, including former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and staunch Trump ally Lindsey Graham, have publicly criticized the plan, others have defended Trump’s approach. “Vladimir Putin is a murderer, a rapist and an assassin and we should not do anything that makes him feel like he has a win here,” Senator Thom Tillis asserted at the Halifax International Security Forum. “Any agreement has to be an agreement that the people of Ukraine want.” Conversely, Senator Eric Schmitt argued for a “realist” approach, stating, “The truth of the matter is…the Ukrainians have been losing for a long time.” Congressman Michael McCaul estimated that approximately 80% of the plan could find agreement in Geneva, but cautioned that the remaining 20% represents significant obstacles.
European nations have been actively working to moderate US efforts to impose the plan on Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that any credible peace plan must prioritize ending the violence and preventing future conflict. She outlined three critical elements: maintaining Ukraine’s existing borders, respecting its sovereign right to maintain its armed forces, and ensuring the European Union plays a central role in securing peace.
The original US plan reportedly included demands that crossed several Ukrainian “red lines,” including the handover of the remainder of Donetsk province, a region Russia has been unable to fully capture since 2014. Concerns are growing that Trump might withdraw US support from Ukraine if frustrated by the lack of progress, potentially leaving Zelenskyy and his country vulnerable. “That’s a scenario we are obviously planning for,” one European official revealed.
European diplomats are anticipating further meetings in the coming week involving France, Germany, and the UK, with potential participation from leaders of Poland, Finland, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. “We are trying to come up with something that flies as a counter-offer,” the diplomat said.
