U.S. and Ukrainian officials are actively discussing the possibility of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visiting the United States this week. This potential trip aligns with President Donald Trump‘s objective to secure an agreement concerning Ukraine before Thanksgiving. Multiple officials from both the U.S. and Ukraine, familiar with the discussions, have noted that the feasibility of Zelenskyy’s visit hinges on the outcomes of peace negotiations scheduled in Geneva on November 5, 2023.
President Trump has characterized the deadline for these negotiations as flexible, indicating that he is open to adjustments. During a press briefing on Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about the progress made during talks with European and Ukrainian officials. “I think this was a very, very meaningful meeting and day we’ve had so far in this entire process,” Rubio stated. He acknowledged the substantial work ahead but promised further updates following additional meetings.
The chief of staff to President Zelenskyy, Andriy Yermak, echoed Rubio’s sentiments, stating that they have made significant strides toward achieving “a just and lasting peace.” However, as of now, there are no confirmed plans for Zelenskyy’s visit, nor are there direct discussions scheduled with Russian officials, according to a senior White House official. Another potential development from the Geneva negotiations could involve Army Secretary Dan Driscoll traveling to Russia or meeting with Russian representatives elsewhere.
Ukraine’s response to the proposed 28-point peace plan has been cautious. During an appearance on “Face the Nation,” Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S., Olga Stefanishyna, clarified that Ukraine has not agreed to all terms outlined in the leaked draft of the peace plan. “This plan is not about justice and the truth of this war and the aggression,” she asserted, emphasizing the need for a resolution that genuinely addresses Ukraine’s concerns. Stefanishyna noted that Russia has yet to make any meaningful concessions, and the leaked plan does not impose requirements on the Russian side.
The leaked proposal, which surfaced from an opposition politician in Ukraine and was confirmed by the White House, includes an accompanying document outlining security guarantees. Stefanishyna described this document as “the framework of security assurances,” suggesting that the U.S. intends to offer commitments similar to those found in Article 5 of the NATO Treaty. However, she pointed out that these assurances lack a detailed structure and the robust Congressional backing that would accompany a formal treaty, a concern rooted in past experiences where Western promises fell short, particularly regarding Ukraine’s nuclear disarmament under the 1994 Budapest memorandum.
A U.S. official indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin appears convinced that he will secure the Donetsk region of Ukraine, whether through negotiations or military action. The Trump administration’s approach in Geneva operates under the assumption that Putin’s assessment may be accurate. While the U.S. official refrained from making a definitive statement on Ukraine’s military position in the East, they acknowledged troubling signs regarding Russian advances, especially in Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub for Ukraine.
Diplomatic efforts related to Ukraine within the Trump administration have been somewhat fragmented but are now being consolidated. Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, and U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, have been working on a “term sheet” aimed at ending the conflict, drawing parallels to their previous proposals for a ceasefire in Gaza. Although the Trump administration has imposed sanctions on Russian oil and gas to facilitate negotiations, Kushner and Witkoff were reportedly engaged in discussions with Russian advisor Kirill Dmitriev in Miami last month.
As tensions mount, some U.S. lawmakers have expressed concerns about the implications of the proposed peace plan, which they believe favors Russia. Senator Angus King articulated these concerns in a statement on Sunday, highlighting that the plan would reward Russia’s aggression by conceding substantial portions of Ukraine’s territory. He stressed the need for a more equitable agreement that would not undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Driscoll’s involvement in the discussions has evolved; he was initially slated to visit Ukraine to discuss drone technology but was redirected to negotiate a ceasefire at Trump’s behest. As the situation unfolds, U.S. officials continue to refine the details of the peace plan and security guarantees being offered to Ukraine. The outcome of the ongoing discussions in Geneva will likely play a pivotal role in shaping future diplomatic efforts and the dynamics of the conflict.
In conclusion, as the U.S. and Ukrainian officials navigate this complex diplomatic landscape, the potential visit of President Zelenskyy may serve as a crucial milestone in the ongoing quest for peace. The coming days will be critical as negotiations progress, and the international community watches closely for developments that could reshape the region’s geopolitical landscape.
