Russia announced on Sunday that its forces had captured three more villages in eastern Ukraine, as U.S, Ukrainian, and European officials met in Geneva to discuss a contentious peace proposal aimed at ending the conflict.
According to Moscow’s Defense Ministry, Russian troops seized Petrivske in Donetsk, as well as Tikhe and Otradne in Dnipropetrovsk.
Meanwhile, Kyiv has been struggling to maintain control over key positions along the eastern front, where Russian advances continue.
The announcement comes ahead of Geneva talks on a U.S-backed 28-point plan, proposed by President Donald Trump, intended to resolve the nearly four-year war.
Kyiv has until 27 November to respond but is requesting revisions to portions of the plan that would accommodate some of Russia’s demands.
The draft plan would require Ukraine to cede certain territories, reduce its military, and forswear NATO membership.
In exchange, it promises Western security guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for the plan, suggesting it could serve as a foundation for a final peace settlement, but warned of further territorial advances if Ukraine rejects it.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, speaking to AFP from South Africa, described the U.S. plan as flawed.
“The plan is insufficient and has major flaws that need to be addressed,” he said, emphasizing the importance of involving Europe and Ukraine in negotiations. He also reiterated that changing borders by force is unacceptable.
In Geneva, officials from Ukraine, Europe, and Canada gathered to discuss the proposal.
U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio also arrived to participate in the discussions, signaling Washington’s willingness to negotiate.
Store emphasized that any agreement must comply with international law, including the principles of the United Nations Charter.
He joined other international leaders attending the G20 summit in South Africa, while European leaders at a separate summit in Luanda, Angola, are scheduled to hold additional talks on the Ukraine plan.
