Geneva, November 28, 2025
Ukraine and the United States have made significant progress toward a peace agreement following intensive negotiations in Geneva on November 23, 2025, advancing a refined peace framework amid ongoing military conflict and stalled Russian acceptance.
Accelerated Peace Negotiations Between Ukraine and the US
In a key diplomatic development, Ukraine and the United States met in Geneva late November to draft an updated peace framework aimed at ending the conflict. Ukrainian national security adviser Rustem Umerov confirmed that negotiators have reached a common understanding on core terms, describing the talks as “highly productive.” The initial 28-point US peace proposal has been condensed to 19 points, reflecting growing alignment on fundamental issues, with Ukrainian officials noting only minor details remain before finalizing a potential agreement.
Despite this progress, Russian officials have yet to agree to any proposal, maintaining rejection of both original and revised US offers. A US official indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is holding out for control over the Donetsk region, anticipating either negotiated settlement or battlefield victory.
Key Negotiation Points Outlined
Territorial discussions remain delicate, with Ukraine expressing willingness to engage in dialogue regarding territory along the existing frontline, while explicitly rejecting Russian proposals for territorial exchanges. Direct presidential talks between Trump and Zelensky are anticipated to address remaining territorial disputes.
Security guarantees are a focal issue, with the United States proposing assurances akin to NATO’s Article 5 mutual defense commitment. These offers aim to assure Ukraine’s safety without formal NATO membership.
Accountability for potential war crimes has been preserved in the negotiations after Ukraine succeeded in removing a proposed full amnesty clause. This keeps open the prospect of legal accountability for violations during the conflict. Further discussions have addressed concerns relating to the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, limits on Ukrainian military size, and prisoner exchanges.
Current Obstacles and Russian Position
While Ukraine and the US show readiness to move forward, Russia remains non-committal. The Kremlin’s firm stance has hindered consensus, with senior officials endorsing continued military operations and rejecting peace proposals to date. Russian forces persist with intensified attacks across Ukrainian cities, notably killing at least 25 civilians in recent coordinated strikes. Military analysts note increasing sophistication in Russian offensive tactics, including missile and drone swarms designed to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses.
Diplomatic Efforts and International Engagement
To accelerate progress, President Trump has deployed envoys—Steve Witkoff to Moscow and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to Kyiv—to facilitate negotiations. Trump has signaled that direct meetings with Putin and Zelensky will occur only after a near-final agreement is prepared. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that durable peace will require difficult but necessary concessions from both sides.
Before involving European allies on relevant issues, US and Ukrainian officials plan final consultations, with President Zelensky expected to visit the United States in November to advance concluding negotiations with Trump.
Background: The Persistent Conflict Landscape
Despite diplomatic strides, the military conflict continues unabated. Recent Russian strikes have targeted multiple Ukrainian regions including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Ternopil, and Donetsk. Reports document civilian casualties and infrastructural damage amid Russia’s use of evolving offensive methodologies. The ongoing hostilities underscore the urgent need for a viable peace framework acceptable to all parties.
The evolving peace negotiations represent a critical juncture in efforts to resolve one of the most protracted conflicts in recent European history. The success of this framework hinges on overcoming Russian reluctance and securing consensus on contentious territorial and security issues. Further developments await upcoming diplomatic engagements and the pivotal leadership discussions planned between Presidents Trump, Zelensky, and Putin.