Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is reportedly considering a visit to the United States this week as both nations intensify efforts to finalise a peace agreement before Thursday's Thanksgiving holiday.
Critical Negotiations in Geneva
The potential presidential trip depends heavily on how ongoing negotiations between US and Ukrainian officials in Geneva are perceived to be progressing, according to sources from both governments who spoke with CBS News.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the Swiss talks as particularly "meaningful" while acknowledging that significant differences remain before a final agreement can be reached. "I think this was a very, very meaningful – I would say probably best – meeting and day we've had so far in this entire process," Rubio told journalists.
Andriy Yermak, President Zelensky's chief of staff, echoed this cautious optimism, stating: "We have very good progress and we are moving forward to the just and lasting peace."
Ukrainian Stance on Key Issues
Speaking via video link from Sweden where he attended a summit focused on Russian withdrawal from occupied Crimea, Zelensky emphasised that Ukraine would continue working with American partners to find compromises that strengthen rather than weaken his nation's position.
The Ukrainian leader maintained that Russia must pay for its war in Ukraine, identifying the decision on using frozen Russian assets as crucial to any settlement. "Right now, we are at a critical moment," Zelensky stated, referencing the considerable media attention and political pressure surrounding the negotiations.
On Sunday, both nations announced in a joint statement that they had drafted a "refined peace framework", though specific details of this framework remain undisclosed to the public.
Trump Administration's Peace Proposal
The urgent diplomatic activity follows the Trump administration revealing its comprehensive proposal to end the conflict in Ukraine, a plan that would require significant concessions from Kyiv.
The reported 28-point plan, developed following discussions between Washington and Moscow, includes these key elements:
- Ukraine abandoning its NATO membership ambitions
- European allies agreeing not to station troops in Ukraine
- US protection guarantees for Ukraine's security
- Compensation to the United States for upholding the peace agreement
This proposal would effectively rebuff British-led plans to deploy international peacekeepers in the region while compelling Ukraine to relinquish control over contested territories.
