Ukraine has agreed to the fundamental terms of a Washington-brokered peace agreement aimed at ending Russia's four-year invasion, according to senior US officials, while Moscow remains silent on the proposal.
Breakthrough in Geneva Talks
The development follows intensive diplomatic negotiations in Geneva, where President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed amendments to Donald Trump's original 28-point peace plan. Ukraine's national security adviser Rustem Umerov confirmed the nation had reached a "common understanding" with the White House regarding a potential settlement.
American media reports, citing unnamed US officials, indicate that only "minor details" remain unresolved in the proposed agreement. CBS News specifically reported that Kyiv had "agreed to a peace deal" to halt the ongoing conflict that has devastated eastern Europe.
Diplomatic Movements and Russian Response
The potential breakthrough comes as President Zelensky is expected to travel to the United States within days to finalise arrangements with President Trump. The American leader expressed optimism about the progress, posting on Truth Social that "something good just may be happening" following the Geneva discussions.
However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov struck a more cautious tone, emphasising that any amended peace plan must reflect the "spirit and letter" of understandings reached between President Vladimir Putin and Trump during their Alaska summit in August. Russian representatives are preparing for further talks with US officials in Abu Dhabi later today.
UK Position and Ongoing Violence
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer provided clarification to MPs in the House of Commons, stating that Britain's "best understanding" indicates this represents confirmation of the Geneva draft rather than a new agreement. Starmer emphasised that any decision on Ukraine's future "must be determined by Ukraine" and warned there remains "a long way to go and a tough road ahead."
The diplomatic developments unfolded against a backdrop of renewed violence, with Russian overnight strikes on Kyiv killing at least six people and wounding thirteen others. The prime minister personally condemned the attacks, drawing a poignant comparison between celebrating his daughter's 15th birthday and seeing "images of a young girl about the same age being pulled from the rubble in Ukraine where her mother had just been killed."
During a morning call with President Zelensky, Starmer reaffirmed the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine and discussed preparations by the 'coalition of the willing' for potential deployment of a multinational force following any ceasefire agreement.
