On November 23, Poland was not represented at the Geneva meeting on a Ukraine peace plan, a former ambassador cited a lack of invitation and the ineptitude of Polish diplomacy as the reasons for the omission.
Delegations Reached Common Understanding of Key Conditions
Ukrainian Foreign and Defence Councillor Rustem Umerow said delegates had reached a shared understanding of the critical terms of the agreement discussed in Geneva. He added that Kyiv appreciated the productive and constructive meetings between the Ukrainian and U.S. delegations and the ongoing efforts of President Trump to end the war.
Poland Missing From the Geneva Delegation
Two days earlier, delegations from Kyiv and Washington, together with advisors from France, the United Kingdom, Germany and representatives of Italy, met in Geneva. The Polish delegation was absent, a fact that caused great unease according to former ambassador Jan Piekło.
Diplomatic Missteps Blamed on Warsaw’s Ineptitude
Piekło described the omission as the result of Poland simply not being invited, citing “the ineptitude of Polish diplomacy, the foreign minister, and Prime Minister Donald Tusk.” He warned that the lack of an invitation was not only a Washington issue but also a Berlin, Paris, and London one, with Europeans viewing Warsaw’s presence as counterproductive.
Diplomatic Friction Between Warsaw and Washington
The former ambassador said that the government’s attack on the president and the push of someone ill‑equipped for governmental tasks reflect a profound problem for Poland and its citizens.
Hardline Stance of Putin on Peace Talks
After the Geneva talks, Piekło questioned the likelihood of a peaceful end to the Russia‑Ukraine war, noting that Moscow’s “voices” suggest that peace is not forthcoming. He added that the outcome also depends on China, which wants the conflict to continue while its own focus turns to Taiwan.
Potential Removal of Putin as a Path to Resolution
Piekło said that ousting Putin, either naturally or by moving him from power, could destabilize Russia to the point of civil war, echoing parallels with the Bolshevik Revolution.
Revised Geneva Draft and the Role of the U.S.
The White House described the new version of the agreement as strengthening security guarantees and stating that the Ukrainian delegation viewed it as “reflecting the international interests of Ukraine.” The original 28‑point list had favored Russia and required Ukrainian concessions; the latest draft has been trimmed to 19 points, though territorial concessions remain to be discussed by the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents.
President Zelensky Highlights America’s Crucial Role
Zelensky acknowledged on Monday night that “much depends on America” and that Russia must end the war. He stated that Ukraine is creating necessary conditions through dialogue with partners before announcing a massive Russian attack on Kyiv, in which at least six people died.