U.S. and Ukraine Draft Revised Peace Framework After Backlash to Trump’s Original Proposal

The United States and Ukraine have agreed on a “refined peace framework” aimed at ending the war with Russia, following intense pushback from Kyiv and European allies who said Washington’s original 28-point plan echoed key Kremlin demands.

A joint U.S.–Ukraine statement confirmed that negotiators held talks in Geneva on Sunday (Nov 23), refining the proposal, though no details were released. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his delegation was returning home to consult with political and military leaders.

U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at progress, writing on Truth Social:
“Don’t believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening.”

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Kyiv, Europe Blindsided by U.S. Plan

Washington surprised Kyiv and EU capitals last week by presenting a peace plan and demanding Ukraine respond by Nov 27.
The original draft reportedly required Ukraine to:

• Cede additional territory

• Limit its military capabilities

• Abandon plans to join NATO

All of which align with Russia’s long-standing demands and were considered unacceptable by Ukraine.

Trump, who returned to office promising to quickly end the war, has shifted U.S. policy toward accepting some Russian arguments and increased pressure on Kyiv to make concessions.

Zelenskyy’s political position is fragile due to a recent corruption scandal that led to the dismissal of two ministers and worsening battlefield conditions.

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Zelenskyy: “We are looking for compromises that strengthen us”

Zelenskyy said negotiations with the U.S. would continue but insisted Ukraine must not be weakened.

Key unresolved issues include:

• Long-term security guarantees

• Protection against future Russian aggression

• Reconstruction funding

• Use of frozen Russian assets to pay for war damages

Zelenskyy may travel to the U.S. this week to discuss the most sensitive elements of the new plan with Trump.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin said it had not received any official communication.

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War Continues as Kharkiv Hit by Deadly Drone Strike

Even as peace talks proceed, fighting has intensified:

• A massive Russian drone attack on Kharkiv killed four people on Sunday.

• Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow, briefly shutting down three major airports and causing power outages near the capital.

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Europe Counters with Its Own Proposal

European allies, angered by being excluded from the earlier U.S. draft, prepared a counter-proposal:

• Fighting would halt along current front lines

• Territorial questions would be deferred

• Ukraine would receive a U.S.-backed NATO-style security guarantee

EU leaders emphasized:

• Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz: described Geneva discussions as an “interim result,” saying peace will not come quickly.

• U.K. PM Keir Starmer: stressed the need for a “just and lasting peace.”

• Poland’s PM Donald Tusk: warned any plan must not weaken Ukraine or Europe, adding the U.S. must remain involved.

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Ukrainian Public Skeptical

Many Ukrainians view Trump’s original plan as unacceptable.
One Kyiv civil servant said:
“Trump’s special plan is, in general, a capitulation for Ukraine… The Ukrainian people will not agree.”