Geneva Talks Advance Trump's Peace Plan
Diplomats are working to resolve the remaining issues in the proposed peace agreement for Ukraine, which includes provisions for prisoner exchanges and humanitarian aid.
A meeting to discuss the American peace plan took place in Geneva. It was attended by Ukrainian, American, and European delegations. At the press conference following the summit, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that diplomats have been very successful in forming agreements.
“We have made huge progress even since the last time I spoke with you,” Rubio said at the press conference.
As the Secretary of State noted, although the delegations were able to break the deadlock, there is still work to be done on a full agreement. There remain “a couple of issues that need further work.” However, according to him, these disagreements, while still open, “are not insurmountable.”
“It is too early to publish the results, negotiations are ongoing. But I believe today was the most productive day on this issue in a very long time,” Rubio shared.
He also reported that he has already discussed the interim results with President Trump.
“I think he is satisfied,” the diplomat concluded.
According to Rubio, the U.S. well understands the “red lines” of both sides of the conflict, but Russia has yet to officially state its position on the proposed plan.
The document itself, as the Secretary of State clarified, will contain 26 or 28 points — depending on the final version. The negotiators only need to agree on the final details. The diplomat noted that this needs to be done “as soon as possible.”
Marco Rubio also stated that he has not seen any “counter-plan” from European partners. This document was published by The Telegraph. The plan consists of 24 points. According to the draft, Ukraine should receive legally backed security guarantees similar to Article 5 of the NATO charter. Territorial issues will be discussed with Russia and resolved after a complete ceasefire.
According to other provisions, Russia and Ukraine commit to observing a ceasefire in the air, on land, and at sea; the parties immediately enter into negotiations regarding monitoring by third countries of the ceasefire — observation using satellites and UAVs will be carried out by allies of Ukraine and the U.S.
The plan states that Moscow and Kyiv will exchange prisoners on an “all for all” basis; also, the parties will begin providing humanitarian aid, including organizing family member trips across the front line. Ukraine«s sovereignty will be recognized, restrictions on the Ukrainian Armed Forces and defense industry will not be imposed. The country»s accession to NATO will be possible only with the consent of all alliance members, while Ukraine will become a member of the EU.
At the same time, according to the European plan, Ukraine commits to remaining a non-nuclear state. Kyiv gains free access along the Dnipro River and control over the Kinburn Spit.
For more on what peace plan the U.S. proposed, read this article. We published the opinions of Russia, Ukraine, and Europe on the American document.
