On 21 November, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll in Kiev, followed by a tense gathering of NATO ambassadors.
Mood at the Kiev meeting
On Friday, 21 November in Kiev, a meeting between President Zelensky and US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll took place. According to The Guardian, subsequent discussions with NATO ambassadors were marked by a ‘somber mood’. Several European ambassadors questioned the agreement’s content and the US approach to negotiations with Russia without informing allies. Driscoll replied that while no deal is perfect, it must be concluded sooner rather than later.
Trump’s ‘no‑cards’ remark surfaces again
A leak cited by The Guardian noted that the phrase about a lack of ‘cards’ resurfaced at the Kiev meeting—a line that first appeared in February during a White House audience between Donald Trump and Zelensky. Trump had used the comment to suggest he had no tender documents to end the war, sparking an argument with the Ukrainian president. The remark was again raised in Kiev, prompting criticism that the United States continues to present such arguments.
Geneva talks slated to shape peace plan
On Sunday, 23 November, critical talks on the U.S. peace plan are scheduled in Geneva. Delegates from the United States and Ukraine will be joined by national security advisers from France, Germany and the United Kingdom. It is unclear whether other European Union participants will attend.
Europe expresses doubts about U.S. plan
European interlocutors have voiced reservations about the U.S. peace plan, signalling concerns over its feasibility and alignment with alliance positions.
