US: Peace proposal updated to fully protect Ukraine

2025-11-24 10:07:37, Kosova & Bota CNA

The White House has said that talks in Geneva with Kiev marked "significant progress" towards ending the war in Ukraine and have resulted in an "updated and redefined" framework that envisions full Ukrainian sovereignty and the achievement of peace.

The November 23 statement issued by Washington did not mention specifics of the changes made to the 28-point peace plan put forward by US President Donald Trump and which has been criticized by Kiev supporters, who have considered the document too friendly to Russia.

The American proposal reportedly included reducing the size of the Ukrainian armed forces and simultaneously reducing military aid from the United States, which has been essential in Ukraine's fight against the Russian army.

"The talks have been constructive, focused, conducted with respect, and underscore the shared commitment to achieving lasting peace," the joint statement issued by the United States and Ukraine said.

"The discussions mark significant progress towards aligning positions and identifying next steps."

"In the talks it became clear that any future agreement must preserve Ukraine's sovereignty and provide only for a lasting peace. As a result of the discussions, the parties have drawn up an updated and redefined framework," the statement said, without giving further details.

The statement also mentioned that the parties agreed to "be in close contact with European partners" who remain some of Ukraine's strongest supporters.

Trump himself has not made any public comments after the meeting.

Along with some of Ukraine's European allies, some American lawmakers - including some Republicans - have criticized the original proposal, with some describing it as too accommodating for the Kremlin.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the US delegation to talks with Ukrainian officials in Geneva on November 23, as Washington increased pressure on Kiev to quickly accept the US plan.

Trump has expressed anger at Ukraine and European allies who opposed the initial proposal.

After the meeting, Rubio said that extraordinary progress had been made and that Trump was very pleased. Immediately after the talks in Switzerland, Rubio returned to Washington.

The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Andriy Yermak – the chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky – told reporters that negotiations had made progress in Geneva, and that progress was being made towards achieving the long-term peace that the Ukrainian people deserve.

The war in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin calls the war a "special military operation" to demilitarize Ukraine.

The West has responded to Russia by hitting its economy with harsh sanctions. The war has killed thousands and displaced millions from their homes./ Rel