GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed on Sunday his “very optimistic” outlook regarding a significant 28-point peace proposal aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, following intensive, yet highly secretive, diplomatic discussions in Geneva. While both the U.S. and Ukrainian delegations initially signaled progress, Rubio, speaking around 8:30 p.m. local time, confirmed that specific details of the negotiations—involving the United States, Ukraine, and key European partners—would remain confidential for the time being, stressing that an agreement had not yet been finalized.
The multilateral talks focused on a U.S.-introduced peace blueprint designed to chart a course toward ending the protracted conflict. Earlier in the day, both Washington and Kyiv indicated successful headway, leading to expectations for a detailed joint briefing. However, only Secretary Rubio returned to address reporters roughly two and a half hours after the initial discussions concluded.
Progress Achieved, Hurdles Remain
Despite the guarded approach, Rubio characterized the day’s closed-door talks as highly productive. He expressed confidence that a comprehensive agreement could be reached “within a reasonable timeframe.”
“We are not ready to share the issues under negotiation,” Rubio stated, clarifying that certain elements required “higher-level decisions and consultations” before public release. He assured the press, however, that the outstanding issues were not insurmountable, noting they primarily revolved around technical differences, specifically concerning wording and procedural timelines.
Rubio emphasized the complexities inherent in brokering such a wide-ranging agreement. Some matters touch upon the broader interests and operational roles of both the European Union and NATO, necessitating continued detailed consultation with transatlantic partners. According to the Secretary, these specific components require further deliberation to ensure unified support and implementation feasibility.
Kyiv’s Focus on Feasibility
The Ukrainian delegation did not return for the subsequent press interaction. Following the day’s events, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to social media to share a brief comment on the high-stakes diplomacy. He underscored that any steps taken to secure an end to the war must be effective and practically feasible. This statement indirectly highlights Kyiv’s rigorous focus on the implementable nature of the peace plan’s provisions.
Experts suggest the confidentiality surrounding the talks signals that negotiators are nearing core political compromises. Premature disclosure of specific sticking points could jeopardize fragile momentum by inviting preemptive opposition from external actors or hardline factions within the negotiating parties. The need for higher-level consultations likely indicates that elements related to security guarantees, territorial governance, or post-conflict reconstruction funding are on the table.
Looking Ahead
While the lack of specifics spurred immediate media speculation, the confirmation of continued productivity offers a cautious signal of diplomatic momentum. The next phase will inevitably involve senior political leaders from the U.S., Ukraine, and various European capitals endorsing and smoothing out the final language.
For observers and stakeholders, the current situation advises patience. The process of transitioning from a general blueprint to a binding, 28-point agreement requires meticulous alignment across diverse sovereign interests. The focus now shifts toward when and how those higher-level consultations will take place, and whether the remaining differences in “wording” can be swiftly reconciled to meet the optimistic timeline suggested by the U.S. delegation.