US hails ‘significant step forward’ in Ukraine talks, announces ‘updated’ framework

The White House says that talks in Switzerland on a proposal to end the Ukraine war mark a “significant step forward,” and reaffirms that any eventual deal will “fully uphold” the war-torn country’s sovereignty.

A joint US-Ukraine statement released minutes later by Washington says: “As a result of the discussions, the parties drafted an updated and refined peace framework.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio led a US 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.

US President Donald Trump had given Ukraine until November 27 to approve his controversial plan to end nearly four years of fighting, whose initial draft accepted a range of Moscow’s hardline demands. The 28-point plan requires the invaded country to cede territory, cut its army, and pledge never to join NATO.

Kyiv has sought changes to the draft. The statement’s announcement of a new draft appears 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 says. “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.”