Ukraine Approves US Mediated Peace Deal Framework; EU Warns Against Concessions to Russia

Abu Dhabi: Reports say the Ukrainian government has approved a peace agreement aimed at ending the Russia–Ukraine war. According to CBS News, Ukraine’s National Security Adviser Rustem Umerov and U.S. officials involved in the mediation confirmed that the main terms have been agreed upon and only a few minor issues remain to be finalized.

“In Geneva, we reached a broad understanding on the main terms of the agreement,” Rustem Umerov wrote in a post on X.

Trump had issued an ultimatum to Ukraine that the peace deal should be approved by Tuesday. Meanwhile, reports emerged that the Trump administration was working toward a deal seen as favorable to Russia, causing concern within the European Union. Suspicion of Russian bias in the terms of the agreement intensified these worries.

Rustem Umerov dismissed these concerns in his statement. “We now expect the support of our European partners in our next steps,” he wrote.

The preliminary agreement drafted by the U.S. included several old proposals previously rejected by both Russia and Ukraine. These included conditions such as Ukraine giving up certain territories, reducing its military capacity, and guaranteeing that it would not join NATO. Widespread concern arose that the deal seemed to concede to Russia’s earlier demands.

On Sunday, the European Union issued three strict “red lines” highlighting their concerns. Following this, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “Ukraine’s borders cannot be changed by force.”

“As an independent nation, Ukraine must not be forced to reduce or restrict its military capabilities in a way that leaves it vulnerable to future attacks,” she added.

She also reminded Trump that the European Union must have a central role in securing peace. “Ukraine must retain its right to choose its own future. It has chosen the European path,” von der Leyen said.

On Tuesday, both countries attacked each other, resulting in the deaths of 10 people in various locations.

A U.S. delegation led by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is continuing talks with Russian representatives in Abu Dhabi. Trump has said he plans to send an envoy to Russia for discussions with Putin.

There are indications that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may visit the United States. Final decisions on territorial concessions and other critical issues are expected to be made in direct talks between Trump and Zelensky.

“After the meetings in Geneva, we see several possibilities to make the path to peace a reality. There are strong results, and much more lies ahead,” Zelenskyy posted on X on Wednesday morning.