• US and Ukraine draft an "updated and refined" peace framework after Geneva talks.
• The revised plan responds to previous criticisms of bias toward Russia.
• European leaders express cautious optimism while stressing more work remains.

After productive talks in Geneva, the United States and Ukraine have developed an “updated and refined” peace framework intended to resolve the ongoing war with Russia. This plan emerged from discussions that both U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian officials characterized as crucial in aligning differing positions and identifying steps forward. Notably, the dialogues occurred in a context where previous proposals had been deemed too favorable to Russian interests, prompting close scrutiny from Ukraine and its European allies, as stated in a joint statement from both parties on Sunday, November 24, according to Channel News Asia and AA.

Rubio highlighted the substantial progress made during these discussions, noting that both sides remain committed to achieving a durable agreement that maintains Ukraine's sovereignty. President Donald Trump indicated optimism about the talks, implying progress on social media, although both sides acknowledged that “a couple of points of disagreement” still needed addressing. The negotiations have been marked by a backdrop of skepticism, particularly within Ukraine, regarding the implications of the proposed territorial concessions and military limitations outlined in earlier drafts, as reported by HuffPost and Los Angeles Times.

The initial U.S. proposal consisted of 28 points demanding Ukraine to cede territory to Russia and to limit its military capabilities, leading to significant backlash in Ukraine and among Western allies. However, recent discussions have reportedly reduced the number of points to 19, reflecting concerns about these demands, especially among European leaders who stressed the importance of maintaining Ukraine's defense posture. Finnish President Alexander Stubb noted that even as some progress has been made, key issues remain unresolved and the road to peace is expected to be long, according to South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.

As part of the negotiations, the European Union and its member states, including Germany and France, are keen to play a more active role in shaping the peace process, emphasizing that any potential deal should include security guarantees for Ukraine. The modified proposals from Europe advocate deferring discussions over territorial concessions while assuring military cooperation, with some European leaders expressing that a NATO-style security arrangement could help bolster Ukrainian defenses, according to reports from Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Despite the progress, the reality of ongoing Russian aggression adds urgency to the situation. Just days after negotiations, Russian drone strikes in Kharkiv resulted in casualties, highlighting the precarious nature of the ongoing conflict and the pressures Ukrainian leadership is facing domestically. President Zelensky has reiterated the critical need for a plan that does not compromise Ukraine’s dignity or jeopardize its position in the international community, as highlighted by various reports from Los Angeles Times and AA.