 "A man jogs with his dog outside the Missions of the United States of America in Geneva, on November 23, 2025 ahead of discussions on a US plan to end the war in Ukraine. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Geneva on November 23, 2025 morning for discussions on a US plan to end the Ukraine war, after Washington signalled room for negotiation on the controversial proposal. Ukrainian, European and Canadian officials were also gathering in the Swiss city. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)")
Top diplomats and national security advisers from Ukraine and its Western partners convened in Geneva on Sunday to assess a new peace proposal put forward by the United States.
The meeting served as the latest round in Ukraine’s diplomatic campaign to build a powerful global consensus around its terms for peace, which insist on the full withdrawal of Russian troops and the restoration of Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders.
Ukrainian officials stressed that the meeting was not about negotiations with Moscow, but about uniting the international community behind a shared vision for peace grounded in the UN Charter.
A major priority for Kyiv is coaxing greater support from nations in the Global South—countries like Brazil, India, and Saudi Arabia—which have so far remained neutral or cautious. Winning these states over is seen as essential to strengthening Ukraine’s position and increasing diplomatic pressure on Russia.
Ukraine and its Western allies want many countries worldwide to support the plan. They believe this global support will prove that the conflict is not just a local fight, but a clear danger to the basic rules of international law.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was awaiting the outcome of the gathering, calling a positive result “necessary for all of us.” He added on Telegram that Ukrainian, American, and European teams remain in constant coordination, emphasising that “bloodshed must be stopped” and guarantees must be secured to prevent the war from reigniting.
Much of the summit focused on breaking down the key components of the 10-point plan, with sessions dedicated to nuclear safety, energy security, and accountability for war crimes—issues central to any future settlement.
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View AllYet the core obstacle persists: Moscow rejects any peace plan that does not acknowledge what it describes as “new territorial realities,” referring to the four regions it illegally annexed in 2022. The Russian Foreign Ministry dismissed the Geneva talks as “a propaganda exercise,” insisting that no meaningful progress is possible without its participation and acceptance of its demands.
Despite this, Ukrainian officials hailed the summit as an important milestone. By consolidating a unified international stance, they believe they are laying the foundation for a future peace process—one that cannot be shaped on Kremlin terms.