US and Russia Draft Controversial Peace Plan Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict
Published 19 November 2025
Highlights
- Senior US military officials, led by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, are in Kyiv to discuss ending the war with Russia.
- Reports suggest a US-Russia peace plan requiring Ukraine to cede territory and reduce its military, though not officially confirmed.
- A Russian missile attack on Ternopil killed at least 26 people, highlighting ongoing hostilities.
- The proposed peace plan, reportedly involving Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, is seen as demanding significant concessions from Kyiv.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for mutual concessions for a durable peace.
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Rewritten Article
US and Russia Draft Controversial Peace Plan Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict
Senior US military officials have arrived in Kyiv to engage in discussions aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Led by US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, the delegation is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday. This visit comes amid reports of a new peace plan, reportedly involving significant concessions from Ukraine, though neither Washington nor Moscow has officially confirmed these details.
High-Level Talks in Kyiv
The US delegation, which includes Gen Randy George and Gen Chris Donahue, marks the highest-level military talks in Ukraine since President Donald Trump took office. An image released on Wednesday showed Driscoll meeting with Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal, who expressed gratitude for the US's support, including a $105 million package for the PATRIOT air-defense system.
Controversial Peace Plan
Reports from multiple outlets, including Axios and the Financial Times, suggest that a 28-point peace plan has been quietly drafted by Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and Kremlin adviser Kirill Dmitriev. The plan reportedly demands that Ukraine cede territory and significantly reduce its military capabilities, conditions that President Zelensky has previously rejected. The proposal is seen as heavily favoring Russian interests, raising concerns about Ukraine's sovereignty.
Escalation in Ternopil
Meanwhile, the conflict's intensity was underscored by a Russian missile and drone attack on the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil, resulting in at least 26 casualties. The attack targeted residential areas and energy facilities, part of Russia's broader strategy to undermine Ukraine's infrastructure ahead of winter. Oleg Hrytsyshyn, a resident of a damaged apartment block, recounted the harrowing experience of being trapped by smoke and explosions.
US Calls for Balanced Concessions
In response to the leaked reports, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the necessity for both sides to make difficult concessions to achieve a lasting peace. "We are and will continue to develop a list of potential ideas for ending this war based on input from both sides," Rubio stated, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach.
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Scenario Analysis
The proposed peace plan, if confirmed, could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe. Should Ukraine agree to the terms, it may face internal backlash for perceived capitulation, potentially destabilizing Zelensky's government. Conversely, refusal to comply could prolong the conflict, with continued civilian suffering and infrastructure damage.
Experts suggest that the US and Russia's ability to broker a peace deal will depend on their willingness to address Ukraine's security concerns while satisfying Russian demands. The international community will closely watch these developments, as any agreement could set a precedent for resolving similar conflicts globally.
Senior US military officials have arrived in Kyiv to engage in discussions aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Led by US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, the delegation is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday. This visit comes amid reports of a new peace plan, reportedly involving significant concessions from Ukraine, though neither Washington nor Moscow has officially confirmed these details.
High-Level Talks in Kyiv
The US delegation, which includes Gen Randy George and Gen Chris Donahue, marks the highest-level military talks in Ukraine since President Donald Trump took office. An image released on Wednesday showed Driscoll meeting with Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal, who expressed gratitude for the US's support, including a $105 million package for the PATRIOT air-defense system.
Controversial Peace Plan
Reports from multiple outlets, including Axios and the Financial Times, suggest that a 28-point peace plan has been quietly drafted by Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and Kremlin adviser Kirill Dmitriev. The plan reportedly demands that Ukraine cede territory and significantly reduce its military capabilities, conditions that President Zelensky has previously rejected. The proposal is seen as heavily favoring Russian interests, raising concerns about Ukraine's sovereignty.
Escalation in Ternopil
Meanwhile, the conflict's intensity was underscored by a Russian missile and drone attack on the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil, resulting in at least 26 casualties. The attack targeted residential areas and energy facilities, part of Russia's broader strategy to undermine Ukraine's infrastructure ahead of winter. Oleg Hrytsyshyn, a resident of a damaged apartment block, recounted the harrowing experience of being trapped by smoke and explosions.
US Calls for Balanced Concessions
In response to the leaked reports, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the necessity for both sides to make difficult concessions to achieve a lasting peace. "We are and will continue to develop a list of potential ideas for ending this war based on input from both sides," Rubio stated, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach.
What this might mean
The proposed peace plan, if confirmed, could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe. Should Ukraine agree to the terms, it may face internal backlash for perceived capitulation, potentially destabilizing Zelensky's government. Conversely, refusal to comply could prolong the conflict, with continued civilian suffering and infrastructure damage.
Experts suggest that the US and Russia's ability to broker a peace deal will depend on their willingness to address Ukraine's security concerns while satisfying Russian demands. The international community will closely watch these developments, as any agreement could set a precedent for resolving similar conflicts globally.
