Ukraine and Allies Open Talks in Geneva on U.S. Peace Proposal

Talks aimed at addressing a U.S.-proposed peace plan to resolve Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine commenced in Geneva on November 5, 2023. Ukrainian officials confirmed that the head of their delegation, presidential chief of staff Andrii Yermak, held their first meeting with national security advisers from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Yermak expressed optimism on social media, stating, “We are in a very constructive mood,” as discussions continue to seek a lasting and just peace for Ukraine.

The delegation from the U.S. is led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is accompanied by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and special envoy Steve Witkoff. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of a positive outcome from the negotiations. In a post on Telegram, Zelenskyy remarked, “A positive result is needed for all of us,” highlighting the urgency for both Ukrainian and American teams, along with their European partners, to achieve concrete results.

The proposed 28-point framework, drawn up by the U.S., has raised concerns in Kyiv and across Europe, as it appears to accommodate several of Russia’s demands that Ukraine has repeatedly rejected. In a joint statement released before the talks, Western allies indicated that while the plan contains essential elements for a “just and lasting peace,” further revisions are necessary. Zelenskyy previously warned that Ukraine faces a challenging choice between asserting its sovereign rights and maintaining critical U.S. support.

Notably, the peace proposal has been characterized by some U.S. lawmakers as a “wish list” for Russia rather than a comprehensive plan from Washington. A bipartisan group of senators, speaking after discussions with Rubio, expressed doubts about the proposal’s integrity. Senator Angus King of Maine noted that Rubio suggested the plan was “not the administration’s plan” but rather a reflection of Russian interests.

In response to these claims, Rubio clarified on social media that the peace proposal was indeed authored by the United States, blending insights from both Russian and Ukrainian perspectives. Tommy Pigott, a spokesperson for the State Department, labeled the senators’ assertions as “blatantly false,” reiterating that the U.S. plan serves as a foundation for ongoing negotiations.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk voiced his country’s readiness to collaborate with European leaders, Canada, and Japan on the peace initiative. He also stressed the need for clarity regarding the plan’s authorship. Tusk stated, “It would be good to know for sure who is the author of the plan and where it was created.”

Ahead of the Geneva discussions, Alice Rufo, France’s minister delegate at the Defense Ministry, commented on the plan’s implications for Ukrainian sovereignty. She emphasized the necessity for Ukraine to maintain its defensive capabilities against Russian aggression, stating, “Ukraine must be able to defend itself. Russia wants war and has waged war many times over the past years.”

Former President Donald Trump stated on the eve of the talks that he expected Ukraine to accept the proposed plan by the end of the following week. He remarked, “One way or the other, we have to get it ended,” though he did not clarify his remarks regarding the finality of the offer.

As discussions progress in Geneva, the outcome remains uncertain. The stakes are high, with the potential for significant implications for Ukraine and its allies as they navigate the complex terrain of international diplomacy amid ongoing conflict.