In the face of the ongoing war with Russia for more than three years, Ukraine has announced significant progress in negotiations with the United States on the peace plan. According to the latest reports, both sides reached an agreement at key points, which opens the way for a possible end to the conflict. President Volodymyr Zelenski can go to the US in November 2025 to personally finalize the agreement with President Donald Trump.
Breakthrough negotiations in Geneva
Negotiations between US and Ukrainian delegations were held on 23 November 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. The American side was represented, among others, by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Ukraine – Head of the Office of President Andrij Jermak and Deputy Foreign Minister Serhij Kysłycia. The talks focused on modifying the controversial 28-point peace plan proposed by the Trump administration, which initially included demands that were difficult to accept for Kiev, such as giving up part of Donbas Russia, limiting the Ukrainian army to 600,000 soldiers, or giving up its aspirations to NATO.
As a result of intense discussions, the plan was reduced to 19 points, removing the most disputed elements. There is no more talk of amnesty for war crimes, army size limits or automatic surrender of territories. Instead, territorial issues and security guarantees are to be discussed directly by Presidents Trump and Zelenski. The delegations described the talks as "productive" and committed to further work on the "updated peace framework".
Possible visit of Zelenski to the USA – what do the sources say?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski expressed his optimism about the new proposals, stating that the plan contains "many appropriate remarks". Media reports that a visit to Washington could take place in November 2025, potentially before Thanksgiving (November 27). However, the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington stressed that so far there are no confirmed plans, although "no options are excluded". The Secretary of State Rubio pointed out that the document is "living and breathing", and the remaining issues are not insurmountable, although they require more time.
Zelenski in his video speech at the Fourth Parliamentary Summit of the Crimean Platform in Stockholm stressed the need for peace: "Boundaries cannot be changed by force. Criminals can't stay unpunished. They must answer for the war they started". He added that Ukraine coordinates with the US and partners the inclusion of sensitive issues such as the exchange of prisoners of "all for all" and the return of abducted Ukrainian children.
International context and reactions
The reactions of European leaders are mixed. French President Emmanuel Macron rejected some aspects of the plan, but considered it a good step, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the talks in Geneva as a "solid basis for further action". NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte pointed out that some points still require work.
Meanwhile, Russia continues its attacks, which underlines the urgency of the agreement. Trump, initially criticizing Ukraine for lack of gratitude, softened his tone by writing on Truth Social: "Is it really possible that great progress is being made in the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine? Don't believe it until you see it, but something good can happen.„.
What's next? Hope for peace, but challenges remain
Although agreement at key points is a significant step forward, Zelenski warns that Russia may attempt to sabotage the agreement and prolong the war. The White House remains optimistic, and final decisions depend on direct talks from leaders. If Zelenski's visit were to take place, it could become a breakthrough and end the ongoing war, bringing relief to millions of Ukrainians.
Source: New York Post
