Geneva,Switzerland – November 23,2025 – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Sunday’s Ukraine peace talks in Geneva the “moast productive and meaningful meeting” held to date, signaling a potential breakthrough in ongoing diplomatic efforts despite the absence of an immediate agreement. The talks, which stretched into Monday with further sessions anticipated later this week, centered on a U.S. peace proposal.
While details remain scarce,the renewed optimism comes after months of stalled negotiations and escalating conflict. The significance of these discussions lies in the potential to forge a path towards ending the protracted war in Ukraine, a conflict with far-reaching geopolitical consequences and a devastating humanitarian toll. However, the U.S. plan has drawn scrutiny from European allies who express concern it might potentially be overly conciliatory towards Moscow.
Rubio described the meetings as “very worthwhile” and noted a feeling of optimism regarding the possibility of reaching a resolution. “I feel very optimistic that we can get something done,” he stated, while acknowledging that any final proposal would require Russian approval: “obviously, the Russians get a vote here.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly acknowledged the growing international support for peace efforts, expressing gratitude on X for the assistance received. “Everyone is offering support, giving advice, providing information, and I am grateful to each and every person who is giving this help to us, to Ukraine,” Zelenskyy wrote, adding that diplomacy “has been reinvigorated” and calling the renewed engagement a positive development.
The positive assessment from Rubio contrasts with earlier criticism from former President Donald Trump, who, prior to the talks, accused Ukraine of demonstrating “zero gratitude” for U.S.support in a post on his social media platform, TRUTH. Trump has previously set a Thursday deadline for a response from Ukraine, though he has indicated this date may be flexible. Rubio downplayed the significance of the deadline, emphasizing the shared desire for a swift end to the fighting.
Concerns regarding the U.S.proposal’s potential favorability towards Moscow have been voiced in both the United States and Europe, with some senators reporting that Rubio indicated the plan originated with Russia and resembled a Kremlin “wish list” rather than a extensive peace strategy.
