Officials from Ukraine and the United States convened in Geneva, Switzerland, this week to refine a peace framework aimed at ending the war with Russia.
Their joint statement described the talks as “constructive, focused and respectful”, while emphasising that any future deal must fully protect Ukraine’s sovereignty. Despite the optimism, key details remain unresolved, including the size of Ukraine’s future military, the role of NATO, and territorial questions.
On the Ground: A Deadly Shift
On November 19, 2025, a missile strike hit an apartment block in the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil, killing at least 34 people including six children. Over 90 were injured.
In the east, Ukrainian forces carried out a drone attack deep inside Russia at the Shatura power station, disabling key infrastructure and underscoring Kyiv’s willingness to strike back. These events illustrate the grim reality: while diplomats talk about peace, the war is far from over on the battlefield.
Ukraine now stands at a pivotal juncture. The push for peace aligns with careful diplomacy and renewed international focus. However, the stakes are immense. For many Ukrainians, peace must mean freedom, security and dignity, not surrender. As negotiations proceed, the world watches whether action on the ground and talks at the table will converge
The 28‑Point Plan and Growing Controversy
A U.S.‑backed 28‑point peace proposal, initially drafted under former U.S. President Donald Trump, has drawn sharp criticism. The original draft called for Ukraine to give up territory, limit its military and drop its NATO hopes, terms many Ukrainians view as favoring Russia.
In Geneva, the U.S. and Ukraine presented a revised version that Kyiv says reflects “their national interests”. Yet, Europe remains skeptical. German officials warned that the deal must not compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty.Ukraine is under pressure to accept terms which could permanently affect its territorial integrity and defense capabilities.
