Significant Progress Reported in Geneva as US, Ukraine Pursue Breakthrough in Peace Talks:

Senior US and Ukrainian officials reported meaningful progress on Sunday after a full day of negotiations in Geneva aimed at advancing a potential peace plan for Ukraine. The discussions, driven by a 28-point proposal championed by US President Donald Trump, appear to be moving closer to a preliminary understanding, though several complex issues remain unresolved. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that “a tremendous amount of progress” had been made during the talks. Speaking with an air of confidence, he said he was “very optimistic” that an agreement could be reached “in a very reasonable period of time, very soon.” According to Rubio, negotiators are still refining key components of the plan, particularly the future role of NATO in the region and the types of security guarantees Ukraine could receive under a potential settlement. Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak, who leads Kyiv’s delegation, echoed Rubio’s upbeat tone. He described the talks as productive, noting that both sides were “moving forward to the just and lasting peace the Ukrainian people deserve.” Yermak added that multiple rounds of negotiations were expected to continue late into the night. Earlier in the day, President Trump added drama to the diplomatic efforts with a post on Truth Social, accusing Ukraine of showing “zero gratitude” for US support and criticizing Europe for continuing to purchase Russian oil. The remark quickly drew attention, prompting a direct response from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who publicly emphasized his country’s appreciation. Writing on X, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was “grateful to the United States … and personally to President Trump” for assistance that has been “saving Ukrainian lives.” Speaking later in his nightly address, he stressed that Trump’s team in Geneva was “hearing us,” and that Kyiv remained committed to constructive dialogue. US media outlet CBS reported that Zelenskyy may visit the United States for face-to-face talks with Trump later this week—though the trip will depend on progress made in Geneva. Elsewhere in Europe, French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed the European Union’s responsibility to maintain financial support for Ukraine. He voiced confidence in Zelenskyy’s ability to push forward with anti-corruption efforts, stressing that Ukraine’s path toward EU membership requires continued reforms and adherence to rule-of-law standards. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán sharply criticized EU leaders, accusing them of prolonging a war he claims Ukraine “has no chance” of winning. He called ongoing European assistance to Kyiv “just crazy,” reigniting tensions within the bloc over future funding and military aid. On the ground in Ukraine, violence continued. A “massive” Russian drone strike on Kharkiv killed four people and injured 12, including two children. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, repeated drone and shelling attacks left two civilians dead and several others wounded. A Russian artillery strike in Zaporizhia killed a 40-year-old farm worker, according to local emergency services. Across the border, Russia reported a Ukrainian drone attack on the Shatura Power Station near Moscow, temporarily cutting heat to thousands of households. Additional Ukrainian drones were intercepted near Vnukovo Airport, prompting temporary flight restrictions. In Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned an explosion on a key railway line used to deliver aid— including weapons— to Ukraine, calling it an “unprecedented act of sabotage.” Meanwhile, oil prices dipped as operations resumed at Russia’s Novorossiysk export hub, which had halted shipments for two days following a Ukrainian strike. Amid the turmoil, Ukraine and France finalized a long-term defense agreement in Paris, allowing Kyiv to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets over the next decade— a major signal of ongoing European support as diplomatic efforts continue.

NEWS