The Trump administration has been engaged in confidential discussions with Russian officials to develop a comprehensive peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to exclusive reports from US and Russian sources.
The Secret Framework Takes Shape
Sources revealed that the proposed US plan consists of 28 specific points organized into four major categories: achieving peace in Ukraine, establishing security guarantees, ensuring security across Europe, and defining future US relations with both Russia and Ukraine. The framework appears to be modeled after President Trump's successful diplomatic efforts in war-torn Gaza.
Leading the drafting efforts is Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, who has engaged in extensive discussions with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev. The collaboration between the two envoys reached a significant level when Dmitriev spent three consecutive days, from October 24-26, working closely with Witkoff and other members of Trump's team in Miami.
Russian Perspective and Ukrainian Awareness
Dmitriev expressed satisfaction with the ongoing discussions, stating in a recent interview that "We feel the Russian position is really being heard". This sentiment suggests Moscow's growing confidence in the negotiation process.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have acknowledged awareness of the American initiative. A planned meeting between Witkoff and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey on Wednesday was postponed, though Witkoff has already discussed the proposal with Zelensky's national security adviser, Rustem Umerov, during earlier meetings in Miami.
A White House official emphasized the administration's position, telling Axios that "The president has been clear that it is time to stop the killing and make a deal to end the war. President Trump believes that there is a chance to end this senseless war if flexibility is shown."
Broader Strategic Objectives
According to Dmitriev, the peace initiative builds upon principles agreed upon by Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin during their August meeting in Alaska. The Russian envoy described the framework as addressing not only the Ukraine conflict but also focusing on restoring US-Russia relations and addressing Moscow's security concerns.
"It's actually a much broader framework, basically saying, 'How do we really bring, finally, lasting security to Europe, not just Ukraine,'" Dmitriev explained. The ultimate goal is to produce a formal written document before Trump and Putin hold their next meeting.
Next Steps and European Consultation
The White House has begun briefing European officials about the new proposal alongside their Ukrainian counterparts. A US official expressed optimism about the plan's potential acceptance, noting that "We think the timing is good for this plan now. But both parties need to be practical and realistic."
The official confirmed that the proposal would be adapted based on feedback from various stakeholders, indicating a flexible approach to the negotiation process. However, it remains uncertain how Ukraine and its European supporters will ultimately respond to the American-led initiative developed in consultation with Russia.
