Ukraine peace talks in Geneva revise US-Russia plan after criticism it favored Moscow, Trump demands Thanksgiving signature

US, Ukrainian, and European officials met in Geneva on Nov. 23, 2025, to revise a US-backed peace plan after widespread criticism that the draft 28-point plan favored Russia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio initially tried to distance himself from the plan after its origins became public. The plan originated from Russia—Moscow drafted the initial proposal that US negotiators presented.

The White House claimed Ukraine's concerns about 'security guarantees, long-term economic development, infrastructure protection, freedom of navigation, and political sovereignty' were 'thoroughly addressed' in the revision. Trump said he expects Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to sign by Thanksgiving (Nov. 27). The Kremlin said Monday it hadn't seen the revised changes despite White House claims of addressing concerns.

Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said 'Putin has spent the entire year trying to play President Trump for a fool.' The comment references Russia writing the peace plan that Trump administration then pressured Ukraine to accept. McConnell's statement is rare public criticism from a Republican leader of Trump's Russia policy.