A U.S. official has confirmed that Ukraine has agreed to a peace deal to end the war with Russia, with ‘minor details to be sorted out.’ The agreement was reached during secret discussions in Abu Dhabi and Geneva, with U.S. Secretary Driscoll and Ukrainian representatives working closely. However, some European leaders remain wary of the U.S. approach, and the peace plan has been critiqued as potentially favorable to Russia. The news comes amid recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, intensifying the urgency for a resolution.
The peace talks, which were initially leaked to Axios, were reportedly shaped by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, a former Trump advisor, and later refined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, criticized the initial proposal as a ‘surrender document for Ukraine,’ fearing it would leave the country vulnerable to Russian dominance for years. However, he praised the revised version, which he believed better represented Ukrainian interests and upheld the rule of law. This reflects the growing political sensitivity around the peace process, as both sides push for a resolution while managing domestic and international expectations.
Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict has seen Russia launch a series of aggressive strikes on Ukrainian territory. The latest attacks, which hit Kyiv and caused at least six civilian casualties, underscored the risks of prolonged warfare. Ukrainian officials, including National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, have emphasized the importance of international support, particularly from European allies, in finalizing the peace deal. Umerov expressed optimism about the progress made during the Geneva talks and looked forward to President Zelenskyy’s visit to the U.S. for the final stages of negotiations. His comments highlight the complex interplay between national sovereignty, geopolitical strategy, and public sentiment in shaping the outcome of the war.
The deal’s success will depend on the cooperation of both parties and the broader international community. As Russia and Ukraine continue to negotiate, the geopolitical landscape remains tense. The peace plan, while a potential breakthrough, faces challenges from domestic political opposition and the need for consensus among NATO allies. Ukraine’s decision to agree to the deal, despite its controversial nature, signals a critical shift in the war’s trajectory. The outcome of these negotiations could have lasting implications for the region’s stability and the future of global diplomacy.