GENEVA, Switzerland,24 November (H.S.): US President Donald Trump launched a blistering attack on Ukraine's leadership for showing zero gratitude and criticized European allies for purchasing Russian oil, just as high-stakes negotiations over his administration's contentious peace plan commenced in Geneva.

The remarks, posted on Truth Social on Sunday, have further inflamed tensions surrounding a proposal that is already under fire from European allies for being heavily skewed in Russia's favor.

A 'Human Catastrophe' and a Fiery Rebuke

In his social media posts, President Trump framed the ongoing war as a human catastrophe that he inherited, lamenting the millions of people that have so needlessly died. He then took aim at Kyiv, stating, UKRAINE ‘LEADERSHIP’ HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS, AND EUROPE CONTINUES TO BUY OIL FROM RUSSIA.

Trump also contrasted his policy of selling weapons to NATO for Ukraine's defense with what he claimed was the Biden administration giving everything for free.

Doubts Plague US-Led Peace Proposal

The president's outburst comes as a US delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, meets with Ukrainian and European officials to discuss a 28-point peace plan. The proposal faces widespread opposition due to its reported contents, which would require Ukraine to cede sovereign territory, accept severe limitations on its military, and permanently abandon its goal of joining NATO.

Compounding the controversy are revelations from US senators that Rubio privately admitted the plan was based on a Russian draft. While Rubio has since publicly insisted the plan was American-authored with input from both sides, the admission has deepened fears in European capitals that Washington is attempting to impose a settlement largely on Moscow's terms.

European Allies and Ukraine's Precarious Position

European leaders have made it clear that the plan is unacceptable in its current state. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Ukraine's borders could not be forcibly changed, a sentiment echoed by other leaders who are reportedly working to rewrite the proposal.

For Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the situation presents a diplomatic tightrope. While facing a reported November 27 deadline from the White House to approve the deal, he must also safeguard his country's national interests.

Ahead of the Geneva talks, Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism, stating that diplomatic efforts had been reinvigorated and that the bloodshed must be stopped. Despite the pressure, President Trump has softened his ultimatum slightly, telling reporters the proposal was not my final offer, even as he remains determined to end the fighting one way or the other.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar