Russia–Ukraine Peace Talks (November 2025) refers to a multilateral negotiation process conducted between Washington, Kyiv, Moscow, and European capitals, intensifying in the final week of November 2025 and the first days of December 2025, as a result of diplomatic initiatives led by the United States. The process began with the revision of the 28-point initial peace draft prepared by the United States, took shape through talks held in Geneva, Florida, and various European cities, and continued with the development of a new framework aimed at narrowing the parties’ “red lines.”
Background and Emergence of the Initial Framework
By November 2025, as the war entered its third year with intense fighting continuing, a 28-point peace draft prepared by the United States was delivered to the parties. The text includes provisions on Ukraine’s future neutral status, limits on the size and capabilities of its armed forces, troop deployments in certain regions, and arrangements regarding territorial status after a ceasefire.
The initial draft contained clauses requiring the withdrawal of troops from some areas under Ukrainian control, the permanent closure of Ukraine’s path to NATO membership, and the gradual reduction of its military capacity. Ukraine deemed the first version unacceptable due to these conditions. During the same period, European countries also assessed the draft and raised the need for revisions, particularly concerning security guarantees, border status, and alliance relationships.
Geneva Talks (22–24 November 2025)
In the final week of November 2025, high-level negotiations were held in Geneva between the United States and Ukraine. The U.S. delegation was led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while Ukraine was represented by senior officials from the Presidential Office. The talks were conducted in multiple sessions on 22, 23, and 24 November.
As a result of these meetings:
- The original 28-point text was reduced to 19 points.
- The clause calling for the permanent closure of Ukraine’s NATO membership path was removed from the main framework.
- Several provisions limiting Ukraine’s military capabilities were removed or deferred.
- Provisions regarding troop withdrawals from Donbas and southern regions were reclassified as “issues to be addressed at the leadership level.”
- Three provisions on defining Ukraine’s future security architecture were reformulated.
The talks were described by Ukraine as “workable” and by the United States as “open to progress.”
Europe’s Participation and Preparation of Alternative Proposals
Immediately following the Geneva talks, technical work began in leading European capitals to develop an alternative framework. This initiative aimed to establish a common position on defense guarantees, Ukraine’s future alliance relationships, and legal status after a ceasefire.
Europe’s technical notes included the following points:
- Strengthening Ukraine’s security guarantees through international mechanisms alternative to NATO,
- Explicitly stating that the ceasefire line would not constitute permanent borders,
- Affirming that no external actor could condition Ukraine’s state sovereignty,
- Designing an international fund mechanism to support reconstruction.
These topics were formally included in the European proposals.
Russia’s Position and Bishkek Statement (27 November 2025)
On 27 November 2025, the President of the Russian Federation, while attending a Collective Security Treaty Organization summit in Bishkek, delivered an official assessment of the peace framework. In his remarks, he stated:
- The revised plan had been communicated to Moscow,
- The text had been structured into four main components,
- The framework could serve as a “potential foundation” for future agreements,
- Russia’s current control over occupied territories must be recognized,
- Ukraine must withdraw its forces from certain regions,
- The legitimacy of the Ukrainian presidency is not recognized by Moscow.
These points were formally articulated.
At the same time, the Russian Presidential Press Office stated that the detailed revised draft submitted by the United States and Ukraine would be evaluated in Moscow and discussed within Russian institutions in the following week.
Florida Talks
The second phase of the peace process continued on 30 November with multilateral talks held in the U.S. state of Florida. These meetings, continuing the Geneva negotiations, were among the most broadly attended diplomatic sessions of the process. Participants included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump administration special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, Ukrainian Chief of General Staff Andrii Hnatov, and technical members of Ukraine’s negotiation team.
During the approximately four-hour talks, the revised draft was examined in detail under the headings of security, ceasefire, territorial status, and international oversight. Post-meeting statements indicated that progress had been made, with parties drawing closer on some critical issues, but unresolved elements remained on key topics.
Ukraine’s Domestic Politics and Negotiation Team Changes
On 29 November, Andriy Yermak, a senior official in the Ukrainian Presidential Office, stepped down due to an ongoing corruption investigation. This development triggered a reorganization within the negotiation team, with Rustem Umerov’s leadership role in the process being interpreted as strengthened.
Current Status as of December 2025
In the first days of December, the parties continued working on the revised diplomatic framework. Moscow acknowledged that certain aspects of the updated text could serve as a basis for future agreements but emphasized the mandatory withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from specific regions. The Ukrainian government viewed the new version as more feasible than the previous one but maintained its core positions on territorial integrity, sovereignty, and international security guarantees. The United States stressed that the peace plan must not only halt hostilities but also ensure Ukraine’s long-term security. Diplomatic contacts continued, and high-level talks planned in Moscow were expected to take place shortly.
On 1 December 2025, following diplomatic talks in Florida between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations, new statements were issued on the peace process. These meetings, described as evaluations of the Geneva-revised peace framework, revealed that the parties had narrowed differences on certain issues but continued to hold firm on unresolved matters, particularly regarding post-ceasefire border arrangements, security guarantees, and international monitoring mechanisms. The U.S. side characterized the talks as “productive” but noted that further work was needed to reach a final agreement.
During the same period, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy intensified contacts with European capitals, particularly holding a meeting in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron to garner support for diplomatic efforts to end the war. In these European engagements, Ukraine’s long-term security architecture, the status of post-war borders, and international security guarantees emerged as key priorities. European leaders, in their post-meeting statements, emphasized that Ukraine’s sovereignty and security demands must be taken into account for the process to advance, and affirmed that diplomacy between the U.S. and Ukraine had created a “progressive foundation.”
Zelenskiy’s Announcement on the Peace Plan (2 December)
On 2 December, Ukrainian President Zelenskiy stated that a peace plan to end the Russia–Ukraine War had been “developed.” He confirmed that Ukraine had been working with the U.S. side on the plan, adding: “The work was based on the Geneva Document, and this document (the peace plan) was subsequently developed.”
Zelenskiy noted that Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov had been engaged in talks with U.S. officials on the peace plan and had informed the U.S. side on “core” issues for Ukraine. He reiterated: “The work was based on the Geneva Document, and this document (the peace plan) was subsequently developed.”
Putin–Witkoff Talks
On 2 December 2025, talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner lasted approximately five hours at the Kremlin in Moscow. The Kremlin later announced that no agreement was reached between the parties.
Initially, it was stated that the delegations sought a “constructive and constructive basis,” but the Russian side declared that certain elements of the U.S.-proposed peace draft were “unacceptable,” and reaffirmed that it would not retreat on the status of Donbas and other eastern regions.
Following the meeting, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitriy Peskov stated that some proposals “could potentially be evaluated,” but significant differences remained and “no agreement had yet been reached.”
Prior to the talks, the U.S. side had prepared a 28-point peace plan draft aimed at ending the war with Russia. However, Russia rejected key provisions concerning territory, military restrictions, and relations with NATO.
Before the meeting, Russian President Putin criticized Europe, characterizing its involvement in the process as an “obstacle to peace,” and stated: “If Europe chooses war, Russia is ready.”
After the U.S.–Russia talks, Washington stated it had received no response from Moscow, announcing that the U.S. peace plan had been rejected by Russia and that negotiations had stalled at the next stage. Witkoff returned to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to submit a report to Washington, and the Kremlin confirmed that no new summit was currently planned.
This phase of the Russia–Ukraine war is viewed as a threshold where positions have become clear and peace efforts have temporarily stalled.
Meanwhile, European countries and the Ukrainian government are taking a distance from the U.S. plan and advocate for a comprehensive peace agreement. No concrete ceasefire or peace agreement emerged from the 2 December Moscow talks due to fundamental disagreements. Diplomatic contacts continue.
On 3 December, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitriy Peskov stated that negotiations on resolving the U.S.–Ukraine crisis were being conducted quietly and added: “We hope our American colleagues will also adhere to this principle. We are all ready to talk as much as necessary to reach a peaceful solution.”
In response to the question, “Is it correct to say that Putin rejected the American plan in yesterday’s meeting?”, Peskov replied: “That is not correct. Yesterday, direct consultations were held for the first time. Some elements were accepted, others were deemed unacceptable. This is a normal process of work and seeking compromise.”
Erdoğan–Macron Phone Call, 3 December 2025
On 3 December 2025, during a phone call between Erdoğan and Macron, bilateral relations between Turkey and France, the Russia–Ukraine war, and regional and global developments were discussed. The importance of advancing cooperation between Turkey and France was emphasized, and it was stated that concrete steps would continue to be taken toward this goal.
Erdoğan stated that Turkey was making maximum efforts to achieve a fair and lasting end to the war between Russia and Ukraine, adding: “Turkey is ready to do everything in its power to open the door to peace as soon as possible.” He also emphasized that diplomatic channels must be used most effectively and affirmed that Turkey’s support for ceasefire implementation and subsequent efforts would continue to grow.
Trump’s Contacts with Moscow and Initial Statements
U.S. President Donald Trump, following the Moscow talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, stated that the meetings had been productive and that negotiators had formed the impression that Putin was willing to end the war. Trump indicated that there was an expectation of progress in the Ukraine peace process, but that the next steps had not yet been clarified. The Kremlin, however, stated that certain peace proposals from the U.S. had been accepted by Putin, that expert-level discussions were ongoing, and that technical preparations were underway for further talks.
Putin’s Statements on the Donbas Region
In an interview published on 4 December, Putin stated that if Ukrainian forces did not withdraw, the entire Donbas region would be brought under Russian control by military or other means. He emphasized the strategic importance of the Donbas region, comprising Donetsk and Luhansk, to Russia.
Zelenskiy’s Phone Call with Kushner and Witkoff (6 December)
The phone calls between Zelenskiy and Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff reflect ongoing diplomatic negotiations regarding the U.S.-proposed peace plan. The conversations demonstrate Ukraine’s continued participation in efforts to end the war.
Background of the Call
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced via social media that he had spoken by phone with Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. According to Zelenskiy’s statement, Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and Deputy Chief of General Staff Andriy Gnatov were in Washington to examine the U.S. peace plan.
Assessment of the Peace Plan
Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine’s delegation was actively working on the U.S. proposal to end the Russia–Ukraine War. The phone call involving Kushner, Witkoff, Umerov, and Gnatov was described by Zelenskiy as “meaningful and constructive.” The discussion covered methods necessary to end the war and measures to prevent future Russian aggression.
Ukraine’s Approach to the Process
Zelenskiy declared that Ukraine was determined to work constructively with the U.S. side to achieve a “real peace.” He indicated that he expected a comprehensive briefing from the Ukrainian delegation following the talks in the United States. Zelenskiy noted that some issues could not be fully addressed in phone calls and emphasized that teams must conduct detailed work on the proposals.
Support for Use of Frozen Russian Assets by 7 EU Countries (8 December)
The leaders of seven European Union member states announced their support for using frozen Russian assets to provide financial aid to Ukraine. The leaders of Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa on the matter.
The leaders stated that Europe had continued to support Ukraine since the start of the attacks in 2022 because “Russia’s imperial ambitions threaten European security beyond Ukraine.”
Russia’s Response to the Revised U.S. National Security Strategy
The revised U.S. National Security Strategy, announced by President Donald Trump’s administration, was viewed positively by Russia. The strategy document called for the normalization of relations with Russia, the strengthening of strategic stability, and the establishment of a more predictable framework for global competition.
The Kremlin noted that certain sections of the document aligned with Russia’s understanding of international security and stated that this approach could help restore communication channels between the two countries. Russian officials highlighted that statements on managing competition among major powers, controlling nuclear weapons, and reducing geopolitical tensions corresponded to long-standing Russian security priorities. Moscow viewed this framework as a potential basis for transitioning to a more stable phase in bilateral relations.
Zelenskiy’s Meeting with European Leaders
On 9 December, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met in London.
Russia’s increasing pressure and intensified attacks on the front lines prompted European capitals to address long-term arrangements for Ukraine’s defense capacity. On 9 December 2025, European leaders declared that Ukraine required strong and comprehensive security guarantees to prevent future vulnerability to new threats.
On the day the statements were issued, intense fighting continued along the front lines. This situation prompted European countries to reevaluate both the current trajectory of the war and the needs of the Kyiv government. The leaders affirmed that military support to Ukraine would continue and be expanded to include long-term security arrangements. Security guarantees were presented as the fundamental element of policies aimed at preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The statements emphasized that assistance to Ukraine was not only intended to meet immediate needs but also to establish a deterrent security framework against future attacks. This framework was defined as a broad approach including provision of military equipment, increased defense industry cooperation, and support for the modernization of Ukraine’s armed forces. Additionally, long-term mechanisms for post-war reconstruction and strengthening of Ukraine’s security infrastructure were addressed.
European leaders also highlighted the legal and institutional nature of the proposed arrangements, stating that security guarantees must include binding or semi-binding international commitments designed to prevent future crises.
European Union’s Indefinite Freeze on Russian Assets (12 December)
On 12 December 2025, the European Union decided to indefinitely freeze approximately 210 billion euros in assets held by the Russian Central Bank within EU territory. The EU Council stated that the purpose of the decision was to prevent these assets from being used to finance Russia’s war against Ukraine. With this decision, the mechanism requiring unanimous renewal of the freeze every six months was terminated.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated that Russian assets would remain frozen on EU soil until Ukraine is compensated for the damages inflicted. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the decision aimed to strengthen Ukraine’s position both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.
Turkey–Russia Talks (Ashgabat, 12 December)
On 12 December 2025, during the International Peace and Security Forum held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, a bilateral meeting took place between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting addressed Turkey–Russia bilateral relations and comprehensive peace efforts regarding the Ukraine–Russia War. Erdoğan stated that a limited ceasefire covering energy facilities and ports could be beneficial and affirmed that Turkey was ready to host peace talks in any format. Developments in Palestine, Syria, and the South Caucasus were also discussed.
Erdoğan’s Peace Message
On 13 December 2025, following his talks in Ashgabat, President Erdoğan stated that he hoped contacts would be established between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the peace plan. Erdoğan affirmed that diplomatic efforts regarding the Russia–Ukraine War were ongoing and that the possibility of peace remained on the agenda.
Legal Warning from the Russian Central Bank
On 14 December 2025, the Russian Central Bank declared that the European Union’s direct or indirect use of frozen Russian assets violated international law. The bank argued that the move breached the principle of sovereign immunity and announced it would pursue legal action in all competent forums, including national courts, foreign judicial bodies, international organizations, and arbitration tribunals.
U.S.–Ukraine Peace Talks in Berlin (15 December)
On 15 December 2025, high-level delegations from the United States and Ukraine met in Berlin to discuss the peace plan proposal. Participants included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, U.S. President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy to Ukraine Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. It was reported that the meeting lasted more than five hours and addressed the 20-point peace plan, economic agenda, and various other topics. Significant progress was announced following the talks.
Zelenskiy’s Assessment of the Berlin Summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated after the Berlin talks that his country was continuing work on the peace plan to end the war but noted differences with the U.S. side on the issue of territorial integrity.
Zelenskiy emphasized that during the talks in Germany, he and the U.S. delegation discussed this issue, saying: “Frankly, we still have different views. But I believe my colleagues have heard my personal opinion. I am very glad I was able to convey it directly. Of course, not every issue is easy. There are particularly difficult issues regarding territory. Everyone brings this up. It is essential that we all work to ensure these matters are resolved fairly.”
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy clarified that, according to the U.S. peace plan, Ukraine had not made any territorial demands, stating: “These are Russia’s demands.” He underscored his desire for the U.S. to understand Ukraine’s position, saying: “The issue of concessions is not active. I believe the territory issue is painful.”
Proposal for a Coalition of Voluntary Countries by Europe
European leaders proposed the creation of a multinational “Ukraine force” under a “Coalition of Voluntary Countries,” supported by the United States and led by Europe. In a joint statement by Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, the Nordic countries, and EU institutions, a peace and security plan for Ukraine was outlined.
The leaders agreed to work together to provide Ukraine with security guarantees and economic recovery measures to end the war, and presented specific commitments. Under this framework, a multinational “Ukraine force” would be established under European leadership and supported by the United States. This force aims to assist in restructuring Ukraine’s defense capabilities, securing Ukraine’s airspace, and enhancing the safety of its seas, including operations within Ukraine.
Trump’s Statements After the Berlin Summit (16 December)
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he had held comprehensive talks with European leaders on the Russia–Ukraine War and described the diplomatic process as “cautious but positive.”
Responding to journalists’ questions at the White House, Trump referred to his recent meeting with European leaders: “We had a very good discussion that included the war between Russia and Ukraine. It was a long meeting. Things seem to be going well, but we know this is a difficult process.” He noted that he had also held a long phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and described his contacts with the leaders of Germany, Italy, NATO, Finland, France, the United Kingdom, Poland, Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands as “very long and very good.”
U.S. President Trump emphasized that Ukraine’s requested security guarantees were being shaped in collaboration with Europe, stating: “Europe will be a major part of this process. We are working on security guarantees to prevent the war from restarting. We do not want the war to resume.”
Russia’s Response to the Coalition of Voluntary Countries (16 December)
Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that Russia would never approve the deployment of NATO forces within Ukraine, even if they were part of the “Coalition of Voluntary Countries.”
Ryabkov declared: “We will never sign or approve the deployment or presence of NATO forces on Ukrainian territory.”
In response to the question of whether Russia would approve the presence of European troops under the “Coalition of Voluntary Countries,” Ryabkov replied: “No. The Coalition of Voluntary Countries is the same as NATO. It might even be worse because such a solution could allow implementation without standard NATO procedures.”
Russia’s Response to the Deployment of Foreign Troops in Ukraine (17 December)
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitriy Peskov, in a statement on 17 December, noted that Russia’s position on the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine was well known, adding: “However, this issue can be discussed.”
Peskov stated that Russia was awaiting information from the United States on the outcomes of the ongoing work between Ukraine and Europe, saying: “When they are ready, we expect our American colleagues to inform us about the results of their work with Ukraine and Europe. We will not discuss specific elements or topics of the solution process through the media. Our position on the deployment of foreign military units in Ukraine is also well known. However, this issue can be discussed.”
Debate on Using Frozen Russian Assets for Financial Support to Ukraine
It was announced that leaders of European Union countries would meet in Brussels to discuss a plan to use the 21 billion euros in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz assessed the likelihood of reaching an agreement on using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s benefit at 50 percent.
Merz, who praised the success of the Ukraine talks in Berlin, stated: “We have made significant progress in the willingness of the Americans to work with Europeans on providing security guarantees to Ukraine after a ceasefire. This is a new development.”
