Rubio shifts US approach in talks with Ukraine on "peace plan", Politico says

The involvement of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the negotiation process has changed Washington's approach to working with Ukraine on the proposed "peace plan".

Source: Politico, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Politico notes that the choice of US Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll as negotiator was unusual. His approach to promoting the proposed 28-point US plan was described as tough and marked by ultimatums.

That changed when Rubio entered the process. His arrival in Geneva on 23 November for talks with Ukrainian officials shifted the tone of discussions.

The Trump administration dropped its strict deadline requiring agreement by 27 November. According to European and Ukrainian officials, the US began taking their positions into greater account after Rubio's involvement.

"We believe that Marco Rubio's engagement in the continuation of talks is important," an official from a NATO country told Politico.

The source added that Rubio's influence was reflected in the change of pace: "After yesterday [23 November – ed.], it has slowed down, and that's good."

Politico writes that the chaotic week showed Rubio is viewed as the figure bringing order to US policy on Russia and Ukraine – stepping in to restore direction and refocus Washington on its allies and partners rather than Moscow.

Politico notes that Rubio managed to involve other administration officials in the Geneva process. He aligned conflicting positions that had emerged only days – and in some cases hours – earlier and steered them towards closer cooperation.

"He certainly had more control over the process Sunday than he had since Wednesday," a European source said.

Another European official added that "things went in the right direction in Geneva".

"Still a work in progress, but looking much better now," they said. "Rubio is a pro who knows his stuff. But he works for the president who decides in the end."

Four sources familiar with the talks said Rubio's participation resulted in far greater flexibility from the US side. Rubio told journalists on Sunday evening that the aim was simply to conclude discussions "as soon as possible", rather than by Thanksgiving.

The US is also no longer firmly tied to the original 28-point plan, which had alarmed allies. Although the administration insisted it was only a starting point – and Trump said on Saturday it was not "his final offer" – those familiar with the talks said Washington initially did not seem open to alternative ideas.

Quote from the first European official: "Rubio simply understands better than many others in the current administration – none of whom are Ukraine experts and very few know anything beyond the myths about Russia – that even in the difficult situation that Ukraine is in, there is simply no way the Ukrainian government can sign the capitulation."

Background:

• The United States and Ukraine developed a new 19-point peace agreement during the Geneva talks but left the most politically sensitive issues for the two presidents to decide.
• Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Serhii Kyslytsia explained how the new peace agreement is being protected from leaks.
• Bloomberg reported that Russian representatives have already rejected the updated peace plan.

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