The United States, Ukraine, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are poised to engage in crucial negotiations this Sunday in Geneva regarding a new U.S. peace plan. This significant development comes from insights shared by two U.S. officials and three European sources familiar with the situation. The urgency surrounding this diplomatic effort has escalated since Axios first reported on the plan earlier this week.
This peace plan negotiation is particularly vital as President Trump has set a Thanksgiving deadline for achieving a mutual understanding with Ukraine. The pace of diplomatic discussions has quickened, highlighting the administration's commitment to resolving the ongoing conflict in the region.
Driving this latest news, Vice President Vance held a significant hour-long phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky on Friday to further discuss the parameters of the peace plan. Both leaders concurred on the necessity of in-person negotiations involving the U.S., Ukraine, and European nations over the weekend.
The U.S. delegation is expected to be spearheaded by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. Notably, Driscoll met with President Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday, where he presented the details of the U.S. peace plan.
According to a U.S. official, there is a strong commitment to collaborate with Ukrainian leaders to ensure the best possible deal. The official emphasized that the ongoing negotiations represent a collective effort among the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia. "The details of the agreement may evolve from the original draft of the U.S. peace plan, which is precisely why these talks are essential," the official stated, reinforcing that negotiation is a dynamic process.
A second U.S. official remarked on the significance of the Geneva talks, underscoring the Trump administration's active engagement with all parties involved in the peace plan for Ukraine. The official dismissed any skepticism regarding this diplomatic initiative, asserting that such doubts are unfounded.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has appointed his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, to lead the negotiation team. Additionally, Zelensky's adviser Rustem Umerov, who previously negotiated the plan with Trump's advisers, is also part of the Ukrainian delegation. On Saturday, Zelensky conducted several calls with European leaders, updating them on Ukraine's stance regarding the peace plan. A Ukrainian official noted that while European leaders expressed shock, they remained supportive of Ukraine's position.
The national security advisers from Germany, France, Italy, and the UK are also anticipated to participate in these crucial talks, highlighting the broad international interest in achieving peace in the region.
To recap, Trump's 28-point peace plan for Ukraine entails several contentious stipulations, including the requirement for Kyiv to relinquish additional territory in the east, a commitment to never join NATO, and the acceptance of full amnesty for Russians accused of war crimes. Conversely, the plan also proposes an unprecedented security guarantee from the U.S. and European allies, modeled on NATO's Article 5, which would classify an attack on Ukraine as an attack on the entire transatlantic community.
This article has been updated with additional statements and revisions to reflect the latest developments in the ongoing negotiations.