A tremendous amount of progress has been achieved in talks to finalize a US-proposed peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said.
But there's still some work to be done, Rubio said after meeting Ukrainian and European negotiators in Geneva, Switzerland.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted there were signals that President [Donald] Trump's team is hearing us.
Ukraine and its European allies expressed concern over leaked proposals that appeared to favor Russia, welcomed by President Vladimir Putin as a potential basis for settlement. Zelensky remarked that Ukraine might face a difficult choice: either lose dignity or risk losing a key partner.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Rubio highlighted that the negotiations had a very good day, achieving a substantial narrowing of the 28-point US plan's open items. Nevertheless, he emphasized that any final agreement would require approval from the Ukrainian and US presidents before being presented to Russia.
Various media outlets hinted at an alternative plan from Kyiv's European allies—led by the UK, France, and Germany—but Rubio denied having knowledge of such a document.
Earlier that day, Trump criticized Ukraine's leaders for showing zero gratitude toward US efforts, pointing out that Europe continues buying oil from Russia—a critical source of revenue for financing the war.
Geneva talks focus on a US draft that suggests a troop withdrawal from occupied parts of the eastern Donetsk region and a freezing of borders in southern Ukraine. It also limits Ukraine's military capacity and includes a pledge that Ukraine will not seek NATO membership.
While Trump noted that the proposals aren't his final offer, Rubio expressed optimism and predicted a resolution would be reached soon, whether by this Thursday or the following week.
