Upcoming Talks to End War In Ukraine in Geneva

Top officials from the United States, Ukraine, and national security advisers from France, Britain, and Germany are set to meet in Geneva on Sunday to keep to a schedule of talks about Washington’s draft plan to end the war in Ukraine.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were expected to arrive on Sunday to keep on discussions regarding Russia’s invasion, now in its fourth year.

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had until Thursday to approve the 28-point plan. The plan asks Ukraine to cede certain territories, accept limits on its military, and abandon ambitions to join NATO.

“We hope to finalize the details…to draft a deal that is advantageous to Ukraine,” a U.S. official said. “Nothing will be agreed on until the two presidents meet in person,” referring to Trump and Zelenskiy.

Before Rubio’s departure for Geneva, Trump emphasized that his current proposal is not the final offer.

Early on Sunday, convoys of vehicles with U.S. diplomatic plates were seen in the city, although it was unclear when the talks would officially keep ahead of the schedule. U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll arrived in Geneva prior to the talks to ensure preparations keep up with protocol.

Ukraine’s delegation, led by Andriy Yermak, head of Zelenskiy’s office, included top security officials. National security advisers from France, Britain, and Germany — known as the E3 alliance — joined the discussions, along with representatives from the European Union. Italy also sent a diplomat, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney planned to speak with Zelenskiy later that day about the plan.

European and other Western leaders said on Saturday that the U.S. peace proposal, which endorses some key Russian demands, could serve as a framework for negotiations, but required additional work to keep down tensions and secure a better deal for Kyiv before the Thursday deadline.

A German government source said a European draft peace plan, modeled on the U.S. version, had been sent to both Ukraine and Washington.

Before the talks began, President Zelenskiy warned that Ukraine risked losing either its dignity or U.S. support if it failed to carefully keep to the negotiations.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin described the plan as a possible basis for ending the conflict, though Moscow might object to proposals that require its forces to keep back from some areas they have occupied.

Officials emphasized the need to keep out of unnecessary disputes during the discussions and keep from escalating tensions. They also focused on the upkeep of logistical arrangements for the talks, ensuring that diplomacy could keep on moving smoothly.

1. keep to

Meaning: to follow rules, plans, schedules, or agreements

Example:

• The diplomats tried to keep to the schedule despite unexpected delays.

• Practice Question:

• Can you think of a time you had to keep to a strict plan or timetable? How did it go?

  
  

2. keep back

Meaning: to hold something or someone in reserve; to prevent from advancing

Example:

• The army was ordered to keep back from the newly captured territory.

• Practice Question:

• What situations might require someone to keep back information or resources?

  
  

3. keep out of

Meaning: to avoid being involved in something

Example:

• Officials tried to keep out of personal disputes during the negotiations.

• Practice Question:

• Why might it be wise to keep out of an argument at work or school?

  
  

4. keep ahead

Meaning: to maintain an advantage or stay in front

Example:

• The company worked hard to keep ahead of competitors in the market.

• Practice Question:

• How can you keep ahead in your studies or career?

  
  

5. keep from

Meaning: to prevent someone or yourself from doing something

Example:

• Strong leadership kept the team from making costly mistakes.

• Practice Question:

• Can you think of a situation where you had to keep yourself from reacting immediately?

  
  

6. keep on

Meaning: to continue doing something

Example:

• Despite challenges, the diplomats kept on negotiating late into the evening.

• Practice Question:

• What is something you need to keep on doing to achieve a long-term goal?

  
  

7. keep up

Meaning: to maintain pace or standard; to continue at the same level

Example:

• It’s hard to keep up with the latest developments in technology.

• Practice Question:

• How do you keep up with news or trends in a field that interests you?

  
  

8. upkeep

Meaning: the maintenance or care of something to keep it in good condition

Example:

• The upkeep of diplomatic buildings is a high priority for security.

• Practice Question:

• What type of upkeep is most important in your home or workplace?

  
  

9. keep down

Meaning: to reduce or control the level of something (e.g., noise, cost, tension)

Example:

• Officials tried to keep down tensions during the sensitive talks.

• Practice Question:

• How can you keep down stress during a busy week?