US and Ukraine report progress on ending Russia war but offer few details

"US secretary of state Marco Rubio said high-stakes talks in Geneva were "very worthwhile" and constituted the most productive day in "a very long time" on larger efforts to end the fighting. "I feel very optimistic that we can get something done," Mr Rubio said. But he offered very little information on what was discussed, allowing only that discussions would continue on Monday and perhaps deeper into the week."

"In a subsequent statement on Sunday night, the White House said the Ukrainian delegation "affirmed that all of their principal concerns - security guarantees, long-term economic development, infrastructure protection, freedom of navigation, and political sovereignty - were thoroughly addressed during the meeting". It added that the Ukrainians "expressed appreciation for the structured approach taken to incorporate their feedback into each component of the emerging settlement framework"."

"He also suggested that Europe's role and responsibilities as spelled out under the US peace plan might be separated from facets more directly involving the responsibilities of Russia and Ukraine. And Mr Rubio noted that any final product, once it is ready, will still have to be presented to Moscow: "Obviously, the Russians get a vote here." The White House said changes made to the proposal now reflect "their national interests"."

High-stakes talks in Geneva were described as very worthwhile and the most productive day in a very long time, producing optimism about achieving progress. Participants offered few details, saying discussions would continue on Monday and possibly deeper into the week. Suggestions included separating Europe's responsibilities under the US peace plan from matters directly involving Russia and Ukraine. Any final product must be presented to Moscow, with Russia having a vote. The White House said the Ukrainian delegation affirmed that security guarantees, long-term economic development, infrastructure protection, freedom of navigation, and political sovereignty were thoroughly addressed, and that changes now reflect Ukraine's national interests and provide credible, enforceable security mechanisms.

Read at Irish Independent