US, Ukraine Make 'Good Progress' in Geneva Talks to End Russia-Ukraine War

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In a positive development, US and Ukrainian envoys have hailed 'good progress' in talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war, following a day of negotiations in Geneva. The head of Ukraine's delegation, Andriy Yermak, said the sides have made 'very good progress' and are moving forward towards a 'just and lasting peace' for the Ukrainian people. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the positive sentiment, describing the day's talks as 'the most productive and meaningful' so far in the process. The talks come as US President Donald Trump has given Ukraine a deadline of November 27 to approve his proposal to end the nearly four-year conflict. However, Kyiv is seeking changes to the draft, which includes Russia's hardline demands, such as ceding territory, cutting the army, and pledging never to join NATO. Trump had earlier accused Ukraine of 'zero gratitude' for US efforts, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by expressing gratitude to the US and President Trump for the assistance that has been 'saving Ukrainian lives'. The US delegation, which included Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, met with high-level officials from Britain, France, and Germany in the Swiss city. The European Union's chief, Ursula von der Leyen, stressed that the 'centrality' of the EU's role must be 'fully reflected' in any peace plan. The US plan was drafted without input from Ukraine's European allies, who are scrambling to make their voices heard and boost Kyiv's position. Questions have been raised over how much input Moscow may have had in drafting the original proposal, which was welcomed by the Kremlin. Rubio has insisted that the peace proposal was authored by the US, with input from both Russia and Ukraine. However, concerns remain over the authenticity of the plan, with some leaders questioning its authorship. Despite these concerns, the US delegation has expressed optimism about the prospects for peace, with Rubio saying that the sides are working to 'narrow the differences' and reach a mutually acceptable agreement. The talks are seen as a crucial step towards resolving the conflict, which has caused immense suffering for the people of Ukraine.