US and Allies Convene in Geneva to Discuss Ukraine Peace Plan

Officials from the United States, Ukraine, and Europe met in Geneva on November 23, 2023, to discuss a draft plan proposed by Washington aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This development follows mounting concerns from Kyiv and its allies regarding perceived substantial concessions to Russia, the aggressor in the conflict.

US President Donald Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had until November 30 to approve the 28-point plan. The proposal includes demands for Ukraine to cede territory, accept limitations on its military capabilities, and forgo aspirations to join NATO. Many Ukrainians, including those actively engaged in combat, view these terms as tantamount to capitulation after nearly four years of warfare, marking Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.

Despite the urgency of the situation, there has been confusion regarding the plan’s development. European allies expressed that they were not consulted during its formulation, raising concerns about the plan’s implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Key Participants and Discussions

Arrivals in Geneva included US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who aimed to finalize details that would be beneficial to Ukraine. An anonymous US official stated, “We hope to iron out the final details … to draft a deal that is advantageous to them.” The official emphasized that no agreement would be reached until Trump and Zelenskyy convened.

Prior to his departure, Trump indicated that the current proposal was not his final offer, a statement suggesting ongoing flexibility in negotiations. Coordination meetings occurred in the morning before serious discussions commenced, indicating a structured approach to the evolving dialogue.

The Ukrainian delegation was led by Andriy Yermak, the chief of Zelenskyy’s office, while Daniel Driscoll, the US Army Secretary, was also present. National security advisers from the E3 alliance—comprising France, Britain, and Germany—and representatives from the European Union joined the talks, highlighting the international scope of the discussions. Additionally, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney planned to speak with Zelenskyy later that day regarding the peace initiative.

Responses and Reactions

European leaders conveyed that while the US peace plan could serve as a foundation for negotiations, it requires “additional work” to secure a more favorable arrangement for Ukraine before the Thursday deadline. A German government source confirmed that a European draft peace proposal, which builds upon the US framework, has been shared with both Ukraine and the US administration.

Zelenskyy voiced his concerns ahead of the Geneva talks, warning that Ukraine risks losing its dignity and freedom if it accepts terms that may undermine its sovereignty. Conversely, Russian President Vladimir Putin characterized the proposal as a potential basis for resolving the conflict, although Moscow may object to certain elements, particularly those requiring Russian forces to withdraw from captured territories.

As negotiations unfold, the global community watches closely, aware that the outcome could significantly impact the future of Ukraine and regional stability.