Ukraine and the United States reached a common understanding on a proposed peace framework designed to end the war with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signalled his readiness to meet U.S. President Donald Trump to resolve remaining issues. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff now prepares to visit Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
American and Ukrainian officials developed the draft during weekend talks in Geneva. Washington presented the plan to Kyiv last week for review. Trump said the proposal “has been fine-tuned” after feedback from both governments. He described the earlier version as “just a map” rather than a complete agreement.
Zelensky said some provisions were removed to simplify the draft. He stressed that Ukraine must help shape all security-related decisions. He also insisted that Europe must remain involved in any reassurance or peacekeeping effort.
U.S. Envoys Prepare for Shuttle Diplomacy
Trump directed Witkoff to travel to Moscow next week for detailed discussions with Putin. He asked U.S. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll to meet Ukrainian officials in Kyiv as well. Officials say both visits will help narrow gaps that still block consensus.
Trump said negotiations will continue without a fixed timeline. He noted that only a few points remain unresolved. He added that the deal could require land concessions “both ways” and measures to “clean up the border.”
Key Disputes Still Challenge Progress
Several issues remain deeply contentious. Moscow has not yet received the updated draft. Russian officials warned that changes to the initial proposal could make it unacceptable. The most disputed matters involve security guarantees for Ukraine and control of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
European leaders also voiced doubts about rapid progress. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer cautioned that a ceasefire may still be distant. A coalition of willing allies, including the United States, is examining potential structures for a peacekeeping mission.
Zelensky told European partners that Ukraine must participate in all decisions. He warned that decisions made “behind the back of a country” rarely succeed. He urged Europe and the United States to sustain support to ensure the peace plan remains workable and durable.
