Ukraine has agreed to a U.S.-proposed peace plan aimed at ending the war with Russia, according to senior American officials quoted on Nov. 25 by the BBC and CBS News. The officials said the deal is nearly complete, with only “minor details” left to finalize.
Geneva Meeting Sets Stage for Final Talks
U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators met in Geneva on Nov. 23 to revise a 28-point proposal drafted by Washington. They produced a new 19-point plan that reflects more of Ukraine’s demands.
Both sides also agreed that President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet soon to complete the agreement.
However, Russia has not issued an official response. Key disputes — including territory and Ukraine’s NATO aspirations — remain unresolved.
U.S. Envoy Holds Secret Talks with Russia
The reports surfaced as U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, acting as Trump’s special envoy, held closed-door negotiations with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi. Driscoll has met both Russian and Ukrainian representatives since Nov. 24.
CBS said Driscoll “negotiated all day,” adding that U.S. officials are “quite optimistic.”
Ukraine confirmed progress. National Security Adviser Rustem Umerov said on X that both sides “reached a shared understanding on key conditions.” He added that Zelenskyy hopes to visit Washington before the end of November to finalize the deal with Trump.
Peace Plan Adjusted After Criticism
The new proposal includes major revisions. Earlier criticism focused on claims that the original plan favored Russia.
According to the Financial Times and The Washington Post, the changes include:
- Raising Ukraine’s permitted troop level from 600,000 to 800,000.
- Removing language that offered amnesty for Russian war crimes.
- Revising terms on how profits from Russia’s frozen assets would support Ukraine’s reconstruction.
- Softening language on territorial concessions in the Donbas.
- Scaling back a clause suggesting Ukraine abandon NATO membership, now stating only that NATO decisions “should be made by Ukraine itself.”
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsya said that “almost nothing” from the original 28-point document remains unchanged.
Zelenskyy added in a video address that he plans to discuss sensitive issues directly with Trump.
Russia’s Position Still Unclear
Despite progress, major obstacles remain. Russia is expected to oppose several revisions.
Europe is also taking a larger role. The Financial Times reported that European representatives attended the Geneva talks, indicating deeper EU involvement.
Because of these uncertainties, Trump’s target of reaching a deal with Ukraine by Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, appears unlikely.
