US and Ukraine demand peace deal that preserves Kyiv’s sovereignty

Monday 24 November 2025 - 07:50

By: Dakir Madiha

US and Ukraine demand peace deal that preserves Kyiv’s sovereignty

Washington and Kyiv have emphasized that any agreement to end the ongoing war with Russia must fully respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, following what were described as “constructive” talks in Geneva involving US, Ukrainian, and European officials.

The discussions, which focused on a US-proposed peace plan, led to the drafting of a revised framework. However, the original proposal faced criticism for accommodating several of Russia’s demands, including territorial concessions, military reductions, and a pledge by Ukraine to abstain from NATO membership.

In a joint statement, the US and Ukraine reaffirmed their shared commitment to achieving a “just and lasting peace” that upholds Ukraine’s territorial integrity. “Meaningful progress” was noted during the talks, and both sides pledged to continue refining their proposals in the coming days.

US efforts and negotiations

The US delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and joined by Jared Kushner and diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff, reported significant advancements in narrowing disagreements. Rubio expressed optimism, stating, “The remaining issues are not insurmountable,” and noted that any final agreement would require the approval of both presidents, as well as input from the Kremlin.

Meanwhile, a Russian drone strike on Kharkiv, one of Ukraine’s largest cities, underscored the ongoing violence. Mayor Igor Terekhov described the attack, which killed four civilians, as “truly horrible,” particularly in light of the ongoing negotiations.

Ukraine’s response and European involvement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the United States and President Donald Trump, acknowledging the critical support that has saved Ukrainian lives. The Ukrainian delegation indicated that the revised US plan now reflects most of Ukraine's priorities. However, Zelenskyy’s government continues to push for further adjustments to ensure the country’s sovereignty and security.

European leaders, who were initially excluded from the US-drafted plan, have since voiced their opinions. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized Ukraine’s sovereign right to determine its future, highlighting the European Union’s “centrality” in any peace process. High-level officials from Britain, France, and Germany also met with Ukraine’s delegation, stressing their support for Kyiv.

Trump’s deadline and criticism

President Trump has set a November 27 deadline for Ukraine to approve the peace proposal, but his criticisms of Ukraine’s leadership have complicated matters. On social media, Trump accused Kyiv of showing “zero gratitude” for US efforts, while also criticizing European nations for not doing enough to end the conflict.

Despite these tensions, Rubio stated that Trump was pleased with the reported progress and remained optimistic about reaching an agreement. He reaffirmed the urgency of finalizing a deal, saying, “We want to get this done as soon as possible.”

The ongoing negotiations mark a critical juncture in efforts to end Russia’s nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine, as both sides work under a tight deadline to secure a path toward peace.