Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sought to smooth relations with former US President Donald Trump on Sunday, following Trump’s sharp criticism of Kyiv amid critical negotiations in Geneva aimed at ending the war with Russia.
Trump, known for his fluctuating stance on Ukraine, earlier posted on Truth Social that Ukraine’s leadership had “EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS,” referring to his 28-point peace plan, which incorporated some of Moscow’s demands.
In response, Zelensky took to X to express appreciation: “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.”
Meanwhile, US and Ukrainian officials were working on revisions to the draft plan in Geneva, with negotiators saying the latest version now incorporates key Ukrainian priorities. Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine’s security council, said, “The current version of the document, although still in the final stages of approval, already reflects most of Ukraine’s key priorities.”
The initial US proposal included concessions to Russia, such as territorial cessions, a reduction of Ukrainian forces, and a pledge not to join NATO, while offering limited security guarantees and access to frozen Russian assets for reconstruction. Trump has set a November 27 deadline for Ukraine’s approval, coinciding with the US Thanksgiving holiday, but hinted that flexibility may be possible.
Since beginning his second term, Trump’s position on the conflict has shifted multiple times — from pledging to end the war in “24 hours” to alternating between support for Putin, criticism of Zelensky, sanctions against Moscow, and suggestions that Ukraine could reclaim lost territory.
