Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has expressed significant reservations about the recent U.S.-Ukraine discussions in Geneva, indicating Moscow remains skeptical about the proceedings and outcomes. Speaking to journalists, Ryabkov noted a concerning lack of clarity regarding how the Geneva negotiations concluded and raised questions about what he described as “destructive forces forming around the European Union” that he claims are attempting to undermine diplomatic progress.
Despite these reservations, Ryabkov confirmed Russia’s willingness to engage with the peace agreement proposal that White House envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to present during his upcoming visit to Moscow. The Russian official emphasized that Moscow would work with whatever version of the plan Witkoff brings for discussion with President Vladimir Putin.
The diplomatic movement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s November 25 announcement that Special Representative Witkoff would travel to Russia the following week with the aim of finalizing the administration’s peace proposal for Ukraine. This development comes after a high-level U.S. delegation, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House Envoy Witkoff, Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, and Presidential advisor Jared Kushner, met with Ukrainian officials in Geneva on Sunday to discuss the Trump-backed initiative.
The U.S. government has maintained discretion about the specific details of its proposed negotiated solution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, stating that work remains ongoing and preemptively releasing information could compromise the delicate diplomatic process.