Hope is growing that the Ukraine-Russia conflict may soon cease, as Ukraine has consented to the framework of a proposed American peace agreement to end the war with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that while some issues remain unresolved, this news arrives amidst Secretary of Defense Dan Driscoll's discussions with Russian representatives in Abu Dhabi.
A senior American official stated on Tuesday that Ukraine has agreed to the framework of the proposed peace agreement to end the war with Russia.
During Dan Driscoll's discussions in Abu Dhabi with Russian representatives, the official remarked, 'The Ukrainians have consented to the peace deal. Some minor matters remain to be resolved, but they have agreed on the peace agreement.'
Consensus Achieved by Both Parties
Furthermore, Ukrainian National Security Secretary Rustem Umerov expressed on X, 'We appreciate the productive meetings in Geneva between the Ukrainian and American delegations and President Trump's relentless efforts to end the war. Both sides (our delegation) have reached consensus on the main terms of the agreement discussed in Geneva.'
He further noted that Kyiv now looks forward to support from European allies in the next steps and is eager to arrange Zelensky's visit to the U.S. to finalize steps towards reaching an agreement with President Donald Trump.
Concrete Results from the Geneva Talks
Earlier, Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that the Geneva talks provided concrete results but signaled that much work remains, indicating Ukraine isn't yet prepared to declare the discussions concluded.
Ukraine Urged to Relinquish NATO Aspirations
The original peace plan crafted by the U.S. includes several concepts previously rejected by Ukraine in former negotiations. It calls for Ukraine to accept limits on its armed forces, abandon attempts to join NATO, and concede some territories to Russia. These demands align with Russia’s longstanding desires, as President Vladimir Putin seeks to secure maximum concessions.
Zelensky Rejects Russian Demands
Recommendations in the proposal also call for Kyiv to cede key parts of the Donbas region, which Russia claims to have annexed, although it doesn't have full control over these areas. This area consists of fortified towns and cities, central to Ukraine's defensive strategy.
However, Zelensky has consistently dismissed Russian demands for Ukraine to relinquish control over certain territories occupied by Russia in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in exchange for eastern Donbas.
Boundaries Cannot Be Changed by Force
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned that Ukraine's borders cannot be forcibly altered and opposed any peace plan that enfeebles Ukraine’s armed forces. She emphasized that no agreement should expose Ukraine to future security threats.
Von der Leyen also stressed that the European Union's role in securing peace should be fully reflected. She stated that Ukraine must retain its right to determine its own future.
“They have chosen a European destiny,” she declared, adding that this path begins with reconstruction and deep integration with Europe’s single market and defense industrial base.
