Rubio in Geneva alters tone and speed of talks on peace plan on Ukraine - Politico
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Photo: Getty Images)
American officials shifted the tone and pace of negotiations on the Ukraine peace plan after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Geneva, reports Politico, citing several European and American officials.
Negotiations in Geneva
Last week, US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll spent two days in Geneva, insisting that Ukraine and its allies accept the proposed 28-point plan before the US Thanksgiving holiday. After that, Rubio personally joined the talks and, according to sources, softened Washington’s approach and abandoned the strict deadline for Ukraine.
“After yesterday, it has slowed down, and that’s good,” said a representative of one NATO country.
Other European sources emphasize that Rubio took control of the process and began reconciling conflicting positions within the administration.
Before Rubio’s arrival, the process was reportedly being coordinated by US Vice President JD Vance through his ally Driscoll. At the same time, the talks included National Security Deputy Advisor Andy Baker, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, whom European diplomats described as too independent.
Politico writes that Rubio’s involvement showed that the US is demonstrating greater flexibility. He stated that the goal is to complete consultations as soon as possible rather than by Thanksgiving. The White House administration under Donald Trump also stopped insisting on the original 28-point plan, which had caused concern among allies. Rubio described the document as a living, breathing plan.
At the same time, European officials stress that Rubio understands better than anyone else on the team that Ukraine cannot agree to capitulation, even amid a difficult situation on the front lines.
Discussion of the peace plan in Geneva
The second week of discussions on the US peace plan to end the war in Ukraine is ongoing. The White House reports significant progress in the negotiations, while Ukraine awaits a meeting with the American leader to discuss specific issues.
However, further talks with the Russian side will still take place. The US has stated that it will not accept any alternative to the version discussed in Alaska between Donald Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.
