Talks Stress Ukraine Sovereignty as Peace Push Advances

Washington and Kyiv said on Sunday that any eventual agreement to end the war with Russia must fully preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty, following what they described as “constructive” talks with US and European officials in Geneva.

After a full day of discussions—held amid criticism that an earlier US proposal tilted in Moscow’s favour—negotiators produced an “updated and refined peace framework,” the two sides said in a joint statement.

US President Donald Trump had given Kyiv until 27 November to respond to his plan aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict triggered by Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukraine, however, sought amendments to elements of the draft that conceded to several of Moscow’s demands, including territorial concessions, troop reductions and a pledge never to join NATO.

The joint statement said the talks were “focused and respectful,” reaffirming the commitment to a “just and lasting peace” that upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty. Both sides noted “meaningful progress” and agreed to continue refining joint proposals in the coming days.

Even as Washington hailed the discussions as “a significant step forward,” a Russian drone strike on the eastern city of Kharkiv killed four people, according to the city’s mayor.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the negotiators had made “tremendous” progress, while Ukrainian delegation head Andriy Yermak also reported “very good progress.” Rubio added that remaining disagreements were “not insurmountable” but stressed that any final deal would require presidential approval and, ultimately, engagement with the Kremlin, which had reacted positively to the earlier draft. “Obviously, the Russians get a vote,” he said.

Tensions flared earlier in the day after Trump accused Ukraine’s leadership of showing “zero gratitude” for US efforts. President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by expressing “gratitude to the United States… and personally to President Trump” for support that has saved lives.

Kharkiv’s mayor, Igor Terekhov, condemned the drone strike, saying it was “truly horrible” that civilian areas continued to come under attack even as peace negotiations were under way.

Ukraine’s delegation said the latest draft of the peace framework “already reflects most of Ukraine’s key priorities,” though the document has not yet been released publicly. Rubio later said Trump was “quite pleased” with the progress so far.

Asked whether a deal could be reached by Thursday—the deadline set by the US president—Rubio said the aim was simply to conclude negotiations “as soon as possible,” expressing optimism about a swift resolution.

European governments, initially left out of the US drafting process, also sought to reinforce Kyiv’s position. Delegations from Britain, France and Germany met Ukrainian representatives, while Washington held separate meetings with European national security advisers.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen stressed that Ukraine “must have the freedom and sovereign right to choose its own destiny,” insisting that Europe’s “centrality” must be reflected in any final peace plan.

Several European leaders held calls with Trump, with Downing Street saying Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the US president agreed on the need to work together “at this critical moment” to secure a just and lasting peace.