GENEVA, Switzerland, 24 November (H.S.): In a dramatic move to de-escalate tensions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his support, hours after Trump had publicly accused Kyiv of showing zero gratitude. The public exchange unfolded as negotiators in Geneva reported a significant breakthrough in talks, with Ukrainian officials stating that a revised U.S. peace plan now reflects most of their key priorities.
From Public Rebuke to Conciliation
The diplomatic rollercoaster began Sunday when President Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, claiming Ukraine's leadership EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS regarding his 28-point peace proposal. The comment threatened to derail sensitive negotiations already fraught with controversy over the plan's origins and pro-Russian concessions.
In a swift and conciliatory response, Zelenskyy posted on X (formerly Twitter): Ukraine is grateful to the United States, to every American heart, and personally to President Trump for the assistance that — starting with the Javelins — has been saving Ukrainian lives. The carefully worded message appeared designed to smooth over the public rift and refocus efforts on the ongoing talks.
'Productive and Meaningful' Progress in Geneva
The shift in tone was mirrored by a newfound optimism from the negotiating table in Geneva. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the opening session with the Ukrainian delegation as probably the most productive and meaningful meeting since the Trump administration began its push for peace.
I feel very optimistic that we can get something done, Rubio told reporters, adding that any final deal would also need Russia's approval.From the Ukrainian side, lead negotiator Rustem Umerov confirmed that significant progress had been made. The current version of the document, although still in the final stages of approval, already reflects most of Ukraine's key priorities, Umerov stated.
This suggests that Kyiv's concerns about the initial draft, which reportedly required ceding territory and forgoing NATO membership, are being addressed.
A Path Forward?
While a soft deadline of November 27, Thanksgiving Day in the U.S., had been set by Trump for Ukraine to approve a deal, he has hinted the timeline is flexible if talks remain productive. The apparent breakthrough and public de-escalation have injected new momentum into the diplomatic process. However, with the final details still being hammered out and the formidable hurdle of Russian agreement still to come, the path to a lasting peace remains complex and uncertain.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
