Key Takeaways
- Significant progress has been reported in Geneva peace talks concerning a U.S.-proposed plan to end the nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine, with Ukrainian officials noting the inclusion of their national interests in revised proposals.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the efforts of the United States and Europe in protecting lives and working towards peace, specifically acknowledging President Donald Trump's role, despite Trump's earlier public statements criticizing Ukraine's "zero gratitude" for U.S. aid.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that while "some work left to do," he is "comfortable" regarding the eventual presidential approval of the peace deal, signaling cautious optimism for a diplomatic resolution.
- The 28-point U.S. peace blueprint, initially met with skepticism for potentially favoring Moscow, is undergoing revisions to ensure it aligns with Ukraine's sovereign rights and includes crucial security guarantees, with a deadline for progress set for November 27.
Diplomatic Momentum Builds in Geneva
Diplomatic efforts to end the protracted conflict in Ukraine gained significant momentum in Geneva on Sunday, November 23, 2025, as key international delegations convened to discuss a U.S.-proposed peace plan. Andriy Yermak, Head of the Ukrainian Delegation, reported "very good progress" in the negotiations, stating, "We have made very good progress and are moving towards a just and lasting peace". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy affirmed his nation's commitment, saying, "We are working on every point and every step to achieve peace".
The talks in Geneva included representatives from the United States, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy, with European and Canadian officials also gathering to coordinate responses to the U.S. initiative. This concerted diplomatic push aims to finalize an agreement by a looming November 27 deadline set by President Donald Trump.
Zelenskyy Expresses Gratitude Amidst Trump's Scrutiny
President Zelenskyy extended his appreciation to international partners, stating, "We also thank Europe, Group of Seven, Group of Twenty for helping us protect lives". Notably, Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude for the efforts of President Trump and the United States to end the war, saying, "We are grateful for all efforts by Trump and the United States to end the war". This statement comes after President Trump had publicly criticized Ukraine's leadership for showing "zero gratitude" for U.S. assistance.
Trump, who was inaugurated for his second term in January 2025, has made ending the Ukraine war a central focus of his administration. His administration's 28-point peace plan, however, initially sparked alarm in Kyiv and European capitals due to provisions seen as favoring Moscow, including potential territorial concessions and limits on Ukraine's armed forces.
Rubio Confident as Revisions Address Ukrainian Priorities
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, confirmed to his position in January 2025, played a central role in the Geneva discussions. Rubio acknowledged that "there is still some work left to do and our teams will revert tonight with more updates". Despite the remaining challenges, he expressed confidence in the diplomatic process, stating, "This will have to be approved by our presidents but I am comfortable about that".
Ukrainian officials, including Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, confirmed that the U.S. proposals are being revised to incorporate Ukraine's national interests. Zelenskyy himself noted an "understanding that the American proposals may take into account a number of elements based on the Ukrainian vision and are critically important for Ukraine's national interests". This ongoing work aims to ensure that any peace deal provides reliable security guarantees and prevents future aggression, a key demand from Kyiv and its European allies. European leaders, meeting on the sidelines of a G20 summit, had previously emphasized that the U.S. plan required "additional work" to be acceptable to Ukraine.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.