US President Donald Trump has made sharp criticisms of Ukraine and European nations as diplomats from the United States, Ukraine, Britain, France, and Germany gathered in Geneva for talks on bringing an end to Europe's largest conflict since World War II.
The meetings in the Swiss lakeside city are focusing on a 28-point plan to stop fighting that has raged since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The plan has not yet been officially disclosed, although key elements have been leaked -- sparking Kyiv's allies to suggest that it is highly tilted in Russia's favor.
Trump had earlier said the plan was not his final word, suggesting changes could be made to it. But his comments onTruth SocialOn November 23 indicated frustration with European and Ukrainian positions.
Ukraines leadership has expressed zero gratitude for our efforts, and Europe continues to buy oil from Russia, he wrote in all-caps comments.
Two European Union member states still purchase Russian crude oil: Hungary and Slovakia. NATO-member Turkey also buys Russian crude.
Trumps comments recalled a heated White House meeting in February, when Vice President JD Vance accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of not voicing thanks for massive US military and economic support.
Yet Zelenskyy has often expressed gratitude, such as during avisit to Washingtonin August.
As the Geneva meetings began, Zelenskyy wrote on social media: "I am awaiting the results of today's talks and hope that all participants will be constructive. We all need a positive outcome."
What's In The Deal?
Many of the terms of the proposed deal require sweeping concessions by Kyiv and appear to mirror many of the Kremlin's demands -- including surrender of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions -- known as the Donbas -- and Crimea, along with setting limits on the size of its military.
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Kyiv would also be required to enact a constitutional prohibition on joining NATO, while restrictions would be put on the Western military alliance itself regarding the stationing of its troops. Financial sanctions on Moscow would also be eased under the plan.
In return, Ukraine would receive some form of security guarantees, most notably from the United States, be allowed to join the European Union, and receive some financial benefits. Russia would also be required to withdraw from some Ukrainian areas it currently occupies.
Amid pushback from US lawmakers and foreign allies, Trump on November 22 left open the possibility of changes being made to the plan.
Asked by reporters if his proposal was his "final offer to Ukraine," Trump said, "No."
"We're trying to get it ended. One way or the other, we have to get it ended," he added.
Ukraine's European allies, who were not involved in drafting the US plan, have said the proposal requires "additional work."
In a joint statement, the leaders of Britain, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, along with top EU officials and the leaders of Japan and Canada, warned that borders "must not be changed by force." They raised concerns that the proposed limits on Ukraine's military would leave it vulnerable to future attack.
A Ukrainian military plane is seen landing at Geneva's airport on November 22 ahead of a meeting between Ukrainian and US officials.
Democrats, Republicans Push Back
The plan has also received criticism among influential members of Trumps own Republican party, including a joint statement with rival Democrats that calls for changes in the proposal.
"We will not achieve that lasting peace by offering [Russian President Vladimir] Putin concession after concession and fatally degrading Ukraine's ability to defend itself,"said the statement,signed by three Democrats, one Republican, and one independent senator.
