US hails 'tremendous progress' on Ukraine peace plan - but says negotiators 'need more time'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has acknowledged 'tremendous progress' in ongoing peace talks regarding Ukraine, emphasizing that further efforts are required to finalize a deal that will also necessitate Russia's agreement. This statement reflects a cautious optimism about the potential for diplomatic resolution in a conflict that has persisted for years.

U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials convened in Geneva to discuss a contentious peace plan proposed by former President Donald Trump, which has drawn criticism for demanding significant concessions from Ukraine, including territorial cessions and military reductions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism regarding a potential peace plan for Ukraine, highlighting significant progress made in discussions with Ukrainian and European officials aimed at halting the ongoing conflict. The talks, held in Geneva, reflect a collaborative effort to address the complexities of the war.

U.S. and Ukrainian officials are engaged in negotiations over a contentious peace plan in Geneva that demands significant concessions from Ukraine, including territorial cessions and military reductions. This proposal has raised alarms among Ukrainian officials, who express concerns about its alignment with Russian interests.

European countries have proposed a radically different peace plan for Ukraine, diverging from the US-backed framework, emphasizing the need to respect Kyiv's sovereignty. This counter-proposal was presented during discussions in Switzerland, where US and Ukrainian negotiators were also present, leading to an updated peace framework from the White House.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported significant progress in peace talks with Ukrainian and European officials in Geneva regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, although specific changes to the proposed plan remain unclear. FRANCE 24's correspondent in Kyiv, Gulliver Cragg, noted that the Ukrainians have not provided concrete details on any modifications to the plan, highlighting their challenging position.

Danylo Yavhusishyn, a 21-year-old Ukrainian refugee, has made history by winning the Kyushu sumo tournament in Japan, defeating grand champion Hoshoryu. This victory marks him as the first Ukrainian to secure an elite-level sumo title, competing under the ring name Aonishiki Arata.

An Israeli airstrike in a southern suburb of Beirut resulted in the death of Haytham Ali Tabtabai, a senior military official of Hezbollah, marking a significant escalation in hostilities between Israel and the militant group. This action occurred despite a US-brokered truce established a year prior, highlighting the fragile nature of peace in the region.