Geneva, Nov 24 (V7N) – Efforts to de-escalate the Russia-Ukraine war took an unexpected turn on Sunday as tensions and uncertainty deepened during ongoing peace consultations in Geneva. According to a live BBC report broadcast late Sunday night (Bangladesh time), U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll were seen abruptly leaving the InterContinental Hotel in Geneva, escorted by security personnel and senior military officials.

Journalists attempted to question the American delegation about President Donald Trump's accusation that Ukraine was being “ungrateful,” but U.S. officials declined to comment.

Initially, optimism appeared to dominate the discussions. The Ukrainian delegation had expressed positive expectations, suggesting that progress was being made in talks with the United States. However, the atmosphere shifted rapidly shortly afterward. The U.S. delegation remained inside the meeting room on the 18th floor for nearly 30 minutes before receiving what sources described as a “stern directive” from Washington.

Soon after, President Trump posted a statement in all capital letters on Truth Social, alleging that Ukrainian leaders had shown “no gratitude” for U.S. efforts and criticizing European countries for continuing to purchase oil from Russia. Trump further claimed he had “inherited a war that should never have happened” and that all sides were being harmed by the prolonged conflict. He accused Europe’s energy ties with Russia and Ukraine’s “lack of appreciation” of complicating the situation even further.

Analysts, however, disputed the accuracy of Trump’s remarks. They noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly thanked the United States for its military and financial assistance. Following Republican criticism two years ago that Zelensky was not being sufficiently appreciative, the Ukrainian leader began expressing public gratitude more frequently—a practice he has continued, including after his meeting at the White House in February.

Meanwhile, Zelensky posted on X that he had held discussions with the prime ministers of Croatia and Luxembourg, briefing them on the ongoing Geneva talks. “We are waiting for outcomes that pave the way toward a genuine and lasting peace,” Zelensky wrote, extending his appreciation to global leaders and citizens supporting Ukraine.

The diplomatic standoff comes as two separate peace frameworks—Trump’s 28-point proposal and a separate 24-point European proposal—have revealed significant differences in approach, raising questions about the feasibility of achieving a unified path toward ending the conflict.

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