In a potential turning point for one of Europe's most devastating conflicts, Ukraine has reportedly endorsed the core elements of a U.S.-brokered peace framework aimed at ending the nearly four-year war with Russia. The agreement, advanced during high-stakes talks in Geneva over the weekend and further refined in secret meetings in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, marks a significant step from Kyiv, though key sensitive issues remain unresolved. U.S. officials described the progress as tremendous, with only minor details left to finalize, but Russia's response has been notably cautious, leaving the deal's ultimate fate uncertain.
The developments unfolded against a grim backdrop of intensified military action. Overnight into Tuesday, Russian forces launched a barrage of 22 missiles and over 460 drones on Kyiv, killing at least six civilians—including children—and wounding dozens more. Residential buildings were set ablaze, and thousands sought shelter in metro stations. In retaliation, Ukrainian drones struck deep into Russia’s Rostov region, killing three people and damaging infrastructure. These exchanges highlight the fragile urgency of the diplomatic effort as both sides continue to inflict heavy losses.
The peace initiative stems from President Donald Trump’s aggressive push to resolve major global conflicts swiftly. Last week, a leaked 28-point U.S. proposal—initially drafted in secret U.S.-Russia talks—sparked outrage among European allies and U.S. lawmakers for appearing too favorable to Moscow. It reportedly called for Ukraine to cede Crimea, recognize Russian control in parts of Donetsk and Luhansk, freeze front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, cap its military size, and abandon NATO aspirations indefinitely.
Facing sharp criticism, U.S. negotiators—led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff—held urgent talks with a Ukrainian delegation in Geneva on Sunday, joined by European representatives. The result was a revised 19-point framework that removed several of Kyiv’s red lines: explicit military caps, blanket amnesty for war crimes, and a permanent NATO ban were dropped or softened. Instead, the plan now emphasizes robust security guarantees for Ukraine, potentially including bilateral U.S. commitments and European peacekeeping forces, while deferring the most contentious territorial issues to direct talks between Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump.
A joint U.S.-Ukrainian statement called the Geneva outcome “highly productive,” reaffirming that any final agreement must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and deliver lasting peace. Rubio described it as the strongest progress yet under the Trump administration. Ukrainian officials echoed cautious optimism, with National Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov stating that a “common understanding on core terms” had been reached.
From Geneva, Driscoll traveled directly to Abu Dhabi, where he met separately with Ukrainian and Russian delegations on Monday and Tuesday. A senior Ukrainian team, reportedly led by military intelligence chief Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, was present, though no joint trilateral sessions were confirmed. U.S. officials described the atmosphere as positive, with one telling media that “the Ukrainians have agreed to the peace deal” and only minor details remain.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking amid the latest attacks on Kyiv, said: “Following the meetings in Geneva, we see many prospects that can make the path to peace real. There are solid results, and much work still lies ahead. I will discuss the most sensitive issues with President Trump.” He emphasized the need to include European allies in any summit, underscoring Kyiv’s demand for multilateral security guarantees.
The Kremlin has remained tight-lipped. Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters: “We still have nothing to say… We understand that negotiations between the Americans and the Ukrainians are ongoing and that adjustments are being made, but for now, we have no new information.” Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov indicated that any changes must remain consistent with earlier U.S.-Russian understandings.
The war, now approaching its fourth year since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has caused over half a million military casualties, displaced 10 million Ukrainians, and devastated the country’s economy. Rebuilding costs are estimated at half a trillion dollars, with critical infrastructure like the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant still under Russian control and requiring special international oversight.
European leaders, while welcoming the diplomatic momentum, remain wary. French President Emmanuel Macron called the talks a “crucial juncture” but stressed the need for “robust, not paper” security guarantees. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer pushed for firm commitments on peacekeeping forces, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated that no deal can reward aggression or impose permanent limits on Ukraine’s sovereignty or defense.
Markets responded positively to the reports: oil prices fell over 2 percent on reduced geopolitical risk, and European stocks rose sharply on hopes of stabilized energy supplies.
As Zelenskyy prepares for a possible meeting with Trump—potentially before the end of November—the world watches closely. For the first time in years, a concrete path toward ending the war appears within reach. Yet with Russian forces still advancing in the east, Ukrainian cities under regular attack, and Moscow’s final position unclear, the journey from framework to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges.
For millions of Ukrainians enduring another winter of blackouts, bombardment, and uncertainty, the stakes have never been higher.
