Ukraine, US and Europe launch Geneva talks on Trump’s 28‑point Ukraine peace plan

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: The push to end the war in Ukraine has officially moved to the negotiating table, with high-stakes talks getting underway in Geneva on Sunday, November 23.

Delegations from Ukraine, the United States, and key European allies have gathered to hammer out the details of a 28-point peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump.

Despite initial hand-wringing from Western allies and political skirmishes back in Washington, Ukrainian officials signaled that the mood on the ground is "very constructive" as the Trump administration seeks to deliver on its promise to stop the bloodshed.

Andrii Yermak confirms 'constructive' start to negotiations

 Andrii Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian presidential office, confirmed that his team had concluded their first round of meetings with national security advisers from the UK, France, and Germany.

The European delegation included heavy hitters such as the UK’s Jonathan Powell, France’s Emmanuel Bonne, and Germany’s Günter Sautter.

"The next meeting is with the US delegation. We are in a very constructive mood," Yermak wrote on social media, dispelling rumors of a diplomatic breakdown. "We continue working together to achieve a lasting and just peace for Ukraine."

The US delegation is led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, and special envoy Steve Witkoff, signaling the high priority the Trump White House has placed on securing a deal before the Thanksgiving deadline.

Marco Rubio slams 'blatantly false' claims about Russian influence

While diplomats worked in Geneva, a domestic political row erupted after a group of Senators claimed Rubio had described the peace plan as a "wish list of the Russians" rather than an American proposal.

Independent Senator Angus King and Republican Mike Rounds told reporters that Rubio had distanced the administration from the plan during a phone call.

However, Secretary Rubio moved swiftly to crush the narrative, issuing a firm denial on social media Saturday night.

"The peace proposal was authored by the US. It is offered as a strong framework for ongoing negotiations," Rubio wrote, clarifying that while it included input from Russia, it was fundamentally an American blueprint.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott doubled down, calling the Senators' account "blatantly false" and reiterating that the administration stands fully behind the proposal.

Trump insists war 'should have never happened'

President Trump, speaking outside the White House, framed the Geneva talks as a necessary intervention to correct the failures of the past.

"I would like to get to peace. It should have happened a long time ago. The Ukraine war with Russia should have never happened," Trump said.

"One way or the other, we have to get it ended," the president added.

Trump clarified that the current 28-point plan, which reportedly includes ceding territory in the Donbas and capping Ukraine's military size-is not his "final offer."

European allies reportedly skeptical but engaged

European leaders, while cautious, have fallen in line with the Trump administration's initiative.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed skepticism that a full deal could be reached by Trump's Thursday deadline, stating, "we are very far from that," but acknowledged that it wasn't "completely impossible."

Similarly, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Warsaw was ready to work on the plan, though he pointedly asked to know "who is the author of the plan."

Despite the "dismay" reported in some corners of Europe, the reality of American pressure has brought everyone to Geneva.

A US official told the BBC that there is "a lot of momentum right now," describing the talks as an effort to "iron out the details" rather than debate the premise of the peace deal.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy hopes for a 'positive result' to end bloodshed 

For Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the stakes could not be higher. Facing a "stark choice" between sovereignty and US support, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for a breakthrough.

"A positive result is needed for all of us," Zelenskyy posted on social media. "Bloodshed must be stopped, and it must be guaranteed that the war will not be reignited."