Kyiv/Geneva, In a move that could change the course of one of the world’s longest running conflicts, Ukraine has agreed to the main terms of a US-led peace plan with Russia. A top US official told ABC News today that only small details remain to be sorted out. This comes after intense talks in Geneva over the weekend, where American and Ukrainian leaders worked out a new version of the plan. The news has brought hope to millions, but also raised questions about what Ukraine might have to give up for peace.
The war, which started in February 2022 when Russia sent troops into Ukraine, has killed tens of thousands of people and forced over 10 million to leave their homes. For Indians watching from afar, this fight has meant higher prices for oil and food, as Ukraine is a big supplier of wheat and sunflower oil to the world. A peace deal could help bring those costs down and make global trade smoother again.
President Donald Trump of the US has pushed hard for this agreement since taking office earlier this year. He set a tight deadline – by Thanksgiving on Thursday – for Ukraine to sign on, or risk losing American military aid. “Is it really possible that big progress is being made in Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine??? Don’t believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform this morning.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has led his country’s defense against Russian attacks, called the talks “productive.” In a video message to supporters, he said, “We are working with partners to find compromises that strengthen us, not weaken us. Diplomacy has been reinvigorated, and that’s good. Very good.” But Zelenskyy also made it clear: “Putin wants legal recognition to what he has stolen… that’s the main problem. Borders cannot be changed by force.” This shows the tough choices Ukraine faces – peace now, or fight on for full control of its land.
How the Talks Got Here: A Step-by-Step Look
The path to this breakthrough has been bumpy. Back in August, Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska for a summit. They talked about ending the war, but nothing firm came out. Then, in October, Trump helped broker a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. That success gave him a boost, and he turned his eyes to Ukraine.
By mid-November, the US team – led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff – drafted a 28-point plan. It included ideas like Ukraine giving up some land in the east, like parts of Donbas and Crimea, and promising not to join NATO right away. Russia would get back into global trade groups like the G8, and sanctions on it would ease slowly. In return, Ukraine would get security promises from the US and Europe, plus money to rebuild – about $100 billion from frozen Russian assets.
Many in Ukraine and Europe called it unfair. “It looks like this deal has been written in the Kremlin!” said Svitlana Morenets, a Ukrainian writer for The Spectator. European leaders, like Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, said no deal should weaken Ukraine or reward Russia’s attacks. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz added, “Peace in Ukraine won’t happen overnight,” but praised the Geneva talks as an “interim result.”
Rubio, speaking after the Geneva meetings on Sunday, was upbeat. “We have made very good progress and are moving forward to a just and lasting peace,” he said. The plan is now down to 19 points, with big changes like raising Ukraine’s allowed army size to 800,000 troops and dropping demands for land swaps based on current front lines. A joint US-Ukraine statement called the talks “constructive, focused, and respectful,” and said they drafted an “updated and refined peace framework.”
Meanwhile, in secret talks in Abu Dhabi, US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll met Russian officials on Monday and Tuesday. This back-channel work helped smooth things out. Putin, in a call with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said the plan “could form the basis for a final peace settlement,” but added that details need more talk. “We have its text, but it has not been discussed with us in detail,” Putin told his security council last week.
For Ukraine, the pressure was real. Trump had warned that without a deal by Thursday, US weapons and spy help could stop. Zelenskyy met US Vice President JD Vance on Monday and pushed for Europe to join the talks. Vance agreed, sources say. Now, Zelenskyy might visit the White House this week to seal things with Trump.
What Does the New Plan Look Like? Key Points Explained
The slimmed-down 19-point framework keeps the core goal: end fighting and rebuild. Here’s what we know from leaks and official hints:
- Ceasefire and Pullback: Both sides stop shooting right away. Troops retreat to lines from before big fights in 2022. No more advances.
- Land Issues: No full handover of Crimea or Donbas yet. Talks start from current lines, not Russia’s wishes. Ukraine keeps control of cities it holds now. “We’ve managed to keep sensitive points like the full release of prisoners and return of abducted children,” Zelenskyy said.
- Military Limits: Ukraine’s army can be up to 800,000 in peacetime – bigger than the old cap of 250,000. But no huge build-up that scares Russia. NATO jets in Poland could guard Ukraine if needed.
- Security for Ukraine: US and Europe promise to protect Ukraine if Russia breaks the deal. This is like a mini-NATO shield, but Ukraine can’t join the full alliance for 10-15 years.
- Money and Rebuild: $100 billion from Russia’s frozen money goes to fix Ukraine’s roads, power plants, and homes. US firms get first dibs on energy deals, like natural gas fields.
- Russia’s Gains: Sanctions lift step by step if Russia sticks to the deal. Moscow rejoins G8 and gets trade perks, but only after pulling out troops.
- Other Bits: All prisoners swap – all for all. Ukraine holds elections in 100 days. A “Peace Council” led by Trump watches over it all.
Rubio said the leftover issues, like NATO’s role, are “not insurmountable.” But Putin wants “root causes” fixed, meaning no NATO near Russia’s borders. European leaders like Britain’s Keir Starmer say, “There’s more work to do, but progress is being made.”
This plan isn’t perfect. Ukraine fought hard to drop the amnesty for Russian crimes and fixed land giveaways. But some say it’s still too soft on Moscow.
Voices from the Ground: What People Are Saying
In Kyiv, where Russian drones hit homes just last night, reactions are mixed. “We’ve lost so much – sons, homes, fields. Peace means we can plant wheat again and kids go to school without sirens,” said Olena, a 45-year-old farmer from outside the capital. Her village sent grain to India before the war; now fields lie empty.
On X (formerly Twitter), the buzz is big. One post from @CyclesWithBach said, “Ukraine agrees to terms of peace deal – US official to ABC News,” with markets jumping on the news. Crypto fans like @cryptorover cheered, “PEACE IS GOOD FOR MARKETS,” as Bitcoin rose 2%.
But not everyone is happy. @astraiaintel, a military watcher, posted earlier worries: “TRUMP HUMILIATED – KYIV HAS ANOUNCED THAT PEACE TALKS WITH RUSSIA HAVE BEEN OFFICIALLY SUSPENDED.” That was before today’s breakthrough. And @RT_com mocked, “Ukraine officially HALTS peace talks with Russia,” showing how fast news shifts.
Experts weigh in too. “This is a win for Trump, but Putin holds the cards,” said Atishay Jain, an Indian foreign affairs analyst on X. From Moscow, Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s envoy, hinted at progress: “Further progress is expected soon.”
Why This Matters for India and the World
For us in India, this isn’t just far-off news. Russia supplies cheap oil to our refineries – war jacked up prices, hurting families at the pump. Ukraine’s wheat fields fed our mills; shortages pushed roti costs higher. A deal could steady global food and energy, helping our economy grow without shocks.
Globally, it tests alliances. Europe feels left out – Tusk said, “Nobody wants to put off the Americans,” but Europe must be in the room. NATO worries about weakness; China watches for US moves in Asia. If peace holds, it could free up $200 billion in aid for other spots, like climate fights or African health crises.
But risks stay. Russia could drag feet, or hardliners in Ukraine protest concessions. “Aggression never pays,” said Sweden’s PM Ulf Kristersson. Still, today’s nod from Kyiv is a ray of light after 1,300 dark days.
The Road Ahead: Next Steps and Watch Points
Delegations head home today. Zelenskyy briefs parliament tomorrow; Trump hosts a presser Thursday. Russia meets US in Abu Dhabi again soon. If signed, ceasefire starts fast – troops pull back in weeks.
Watch for: Putin’s full response, European buy-in, and if markets calm (oil dipped 1% today). As Rubio put it, “Tremendous progress… we just need more time.”
This could be the end of invasion – or just a pause. For now, Ukraine breathes easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the US-brokered peace plan for Ukraine?
A: The plan is a 19-point agreement (down from 28) to stop the Russia-Ukraine war. It calls for an immediate ceasefire, troop pullbacks to 2022 lines, and talks on land like Donbas and Crimea without forced giveaways. Ukraine gets security from US and Europe, army size up to 800,000, and $100 billion from Russian assets for rebuilds. Russia eases sanctions and rejoins trade groups if it follows rules. Prisoner swaps and elections in Ukraine are included. It’s not final – leaders like Trump and Zelenskyy must approve. Sources: Joint US-Ukraine statement and Rubio’s comments.
Q: Has Ukraine really agreed to the deal? What are the remaining issues?
A: Yes, a US official said Ukraine agreed to the main terms, with “minor details” left, per ABC News today. Zelenskyy confirmed “signals President Trump’s team is hearing us” after Geneva. Remaining bits include NATO’s exact role and final land talks. No amnesty for Russian crimes was dropped. Putin says it’s a “basis” but needs tweaks. If signed by Thursday, ceasefire follows quick. But Europe pushes for more input to avoid rewarding Russia.
Q: What does Russia get out of this peace deal?
A: Russia pulls troops back and stops attacks in return for step-by-step sanction relief, rejoining G8 for trade, and economic deals with US on energy and tech. No full control over claimed lands yet – talks start fair. Putin called it “acceptable” but wants “root causes” like no NATO for Ukraine addressed. If broken, sanctions snap back. This balances without full win for Moscow.
Q: How does this affect India’s economy and daily life?
A: Good news for us – war spiked oil to $90/barrel, adding ₹5-10 per liter at pumps. Ukraine’s wheat halt pushed food inflation up 2-3%. Peace could drop oil to $70s, cut import bills by $20 billion yearly, and bring cheaper grains. Our exports to Europe rise too, as shipping lanes clear. PM Modi welcomed “progress toward stability” at G20, tying to global south needs. Long-term, steady energy helps rupee and jobs in refineries.
Q: Will this peace last, or is it just a short break?
A: It could last if all stick to it – with Trump-led council watching and quick aid flowing. But risks: Russia advances in winter (holds 20% land now), or Ukraine hardliners block parliament vote. Zelenskyy vows “dignified peace”; Putin warns of more fights if no deal. Europe says “major issues remain.” History shows deals like Minsk failed; this has stronger US backing, but needs trust-building.
Q: Who are the key players in these talks?
A: US: Trump, Rubio, Witkoff, Driscoll. Ukraine: Zelenskyy, chief Andriy Yermak. Russia: Putin, envoy Kirill Dmitriev. Europe: Tusk (Poland), Merz (Germany), Starmer (UK). Turkey and Qatar may mediate like in Gaza. Indians note: Modi met Zelenskyy at G20, pushing fair peace.