US Opens Door for Negotiations on Ukraine Peace Plan

The United States has indicated a willingness to negotiate a plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has faced criticism from Kyiv and its allies. Ahead of talks scheduled for today in Geneva, President Donald Trump has set a deadline of November 27, 2023 for Ukraine to approve the proposal that includes contentious terms, such as ceding territory and limiting military capabilities.

The 28-point plan has sparked significant resistance, particularly from Ukrainian leaders who are pushing for amendments to a draft that appears to accept several of Russia’s demands. In a statement issued yesterday, the Biden administration reaffirmed that the proposal represents official U.S. policy, countering claims made by a group of U.S. senators that Secretary of State Marco Rubio referred to the document as a “Russian wish list.”

Trump stated on Saturday that this proposal is not the final offer, expressing his desire to bring an end to the fighting “one way or the other.” Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, characterized the plan as a “work in progress” during an interview on Fox News.

Ukraine’s European allies were not involved in the drafting of the plan and have expressed the need for “additional work” to enhance Ukraine’s bargaining position. As discussions unfold at the G20 summit in South Africa, these allies are formulating a counter-offer.

A U.S. official confirmed that Rubio and diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff will arrive in Geneva for the discussions, while U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll has already been in Kyiv, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy has designated his chief aide, Andriy Yermak, to lead Ukraine’s delegation in the negotiations. The statement also noted that the talks would include “representatives of the Russian Federation,” though Moscow has yet to confirm its participation.

In a recent address, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of consultations with partners concerning the necessary steps to conclude the war. He reiterated that Ukraine’s representatives are well-equipped to defend the nation’s interests and prevent further Russian aggression, which has included the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion that began in 2022.

The U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer underscored the significance of the Geneva talks, stating that senior officials would convene to advance discussions. He highlighted the necessity of solid “security guarantees” for Ukraine in any settlement. Starmer noted that his national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, will participate in the talks.

Diplomatic sources from Italy indicated that Rome plans to send national security adviser Fabrizio Saggio, while security officials from the EU, France, and Germany will also attend, as confirmed by French President Emmanuel Macron during a press conference at the G20.

Western leaders have collectively stated that the U.S. plan serves as a basis for negotiations but requires further refinement. They maintain that borders should not be altered through force and have expressed concerns regarding the proposed limitations on Ukraine’s military, which could leave the country vulnerable to future attacks. Macron indicated that aspects of the plan, particularly relating to Ukraine’s NATO relationships and Russian assets frozen in the EU, need broader discussion.

Zelenskyy articulated the challenges Ukraine faces, asserting that the nation is at a critical juncture in its history. He warned that Ukraine might have to choose between maintaining its dignity or risking a severance of ties with Washington, stressing the high stakes involved in the negotiations.

In response to the U.S. proposal, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the plan could provide a foundation for a comprehensive peace settlement but cautioned that further territorial seizures could occur if Ukraine opts out of the discussions. As the world watches, the outcome of today’s talks in Geneva may significantly influence the future of Ukraine and its ongoing conflict with Russia.