As top US, European and Ukrainian officials met in Geneva on Sunday (November 23rd) to discuss Donald Trump’s proposal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, US President Trump launched a blistering attack, accusing Ukraine’s leadership of not appreciating US support.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “UKRAINIAN LEADERSHIP” EXPRESSED ZERO APPRECIATION FOR OUR EFFORTS AND EUROPE CONTINUES TO BUY OIL FROM RUSSIA.
Trump also hit out at blaming the conflict on the Biden administration.
Trump wrote that a Russia-Ukraine war would “NEVER HAVE HAPPENED” with “strong and sound US-Ukraine leadership” and claimed he “inherited a war that should never have happened.” He reiterated that the 2020 US election was “rigged” and added that Putin “never attacked” under his leadership.
Ukraine and Europe are pushing back against the US proposal
The Geneva meetings opened with allies discussing how to reshape the US’s 28-point plan, which Kiev and European governments fear leans too heavily towards Moscow.
Zelenskyy noted that early feedback indicated that the US plan could include “a number of elements based on the Ukrainian vision”, although he did not specify which ones.
“Further work continues to ensure that all elements are truly effective in achieving the main goal of ending bloodshed and war,” he said.
The Allies refuse territorial concessions to Russia
The American plan was met with deep concern throughout Europe. Ukraine and its partners have ruled out any territorial concessions, warning that such terms would reward Russian aggression.
French Deputy Defense Minister Alice Rufo said the restrictions on Ukraine’s military — outlined in the U.S. proposal — represented a “restriction of its sovereignty.”
“Ukraine must be able to defend itself,” she said. “Russia wants war and has waged war many times in recent years.”
Zelenskyy has repeatedly insisted that Ukraine will “always defend” its country and people.
Rubio’s conflicting comments are causing confusion
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who led a US delegation with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and special envoy Steve Witkoff, caused confusion over the weekend when senators claimed he described the peace plan as a Russian “wish list”.
Independent Sen. Angus King said Rubio told them the proposal “was not an administration plan” but rather a document reflecting “Russian demands.”
The State Department called the bill “blatantly false,” and Rubio later suggested the senators were wrong. The dispute contributed to the uncertainty surrounding the origin and intent of the American plan.
