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Ukraine and US near revised peace framework after high-stakes Geneva talks
Geneva became the center of intense diplomatic activity over the weekend as Ukrainian and American officials raced to revise a contentious peace proposal before a self-imposed Thanksgiving deadline, multiple sources familiar with the negotiations confirmed. The original draft-widely perceived as favoring Russian demands-sparked urgent closed-door sessions involving senior delegates from Kyiv, Washington, and key European capitals.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, led Kyiv's negotiating team, his expressions described as "stony-faced" by observers as black limousines ferried officials between two secured venues. The talks included national security advisers from Germany, France, and the UK, signaling a coordinated Western effort to reshape the terms.
From 'surrender terms' to a 'revised framework'
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio initially denied allegations that the draft's language mirrored Kremlin talking points, though he acknowledged the document's "delicate" nature. By Sunday evening, Rubio declared "tremendous progress," citing only "a couple of outstanding issues." A joint US-Ukraine statement later revealed an "updated and revised framework document" had replaced the original-one that Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya described as a 19-point plan with "very little left" from the initial version.
The overhaul appears to incorporate amendments proposed by European allies, as reported by Reuters. Critical changes include:
- NATO membership: Removal of an automatic veto on Ukraine's future accession, though no timeline was specified.
- Military constraints: Elimination of a proposed cap on Ukrainian troop levels, though permanent Western troop deployments remain off the table.
- Territorial sovereignty: No forced handover of Donbas regions to Russia; Ukraine would pursue "exclusively diplomatic means" to recover occupied territories-a position Zelensky had previously endorsed.
- War crimes accountability: Deletion of a full amnesty clause for Russian-linked atrocities.
Security guarantees emerge as the sticking point
The most contentious issue-long-term security guarantees-remains unresolved. Ukrainian officials insist on "Article 5-style" protections, akin to NATO's collective defense clause, which would legally bind the US and allies to defend Ukraine if Russia invades again. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz both signaled support for "significantly modified" terms, though Merz stopped short of endorsing full NATO-style commitments.
"Supplies have stabilized, but conservation remains essential."
Ukrainian official, speaking on condition of anonymity to The Meta Times
The shift from the original draft-largely attributed to Trump envoy Steve Witkoff's April meeting with Vladimir Putin-marks a stark turnaround. Witkoff had previously echoed Kremlin narratives almost verbatim, including demands for Ukraine's "neutrality" and territorial concessions. Trump himself oscillated between criticizing Kyiv for "zero gratitude" and, by Monday, hinting at "something good" emerging from the talks.
Russia's calculus: 'Take it or wait'
Analysts caution that Moscow shows no signs of halting its offensive unless compelled. Tatiana Stanovaya of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center noted Putin's growing military confidence, fueled by Ukrainian mobilization struggles, a corruption scandal in Kyiv, and recent Russian gains on the battlefield. "Russia's position is, 'We've laid out our demands-do you take them or not?'" Stanovaya told The Meta Times. "'If so, we stop the war. If not, we'll wait until you're ready.'"
While the revised framework offers Kyiv a reprieve from the original's most onerous terms, the lack of Russian engagement in the Geneva process raises questions about its viability. Ukrainian forces, meanwhile, continue to face relentless attacks along the eastern front, where casualties mount daily.
What's next
The US and Ukraine aim to finalize the framework by Thursday, though Rubio's office declined to specify whether Russia had been formally presented with the new terms. Zelensky is expected to address the nation on Friday, with European leaders scheduling a virtual summit to coordinate their response.
Updated 15:30 UTC - Added context on European amendments and Russian military posture.
