Trump Team Quietly Crafts Deal to End Ukraine War/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Trump administration is secretly developing a 28-point peace plan for Ukraine, working in direct coordination with Russia. Led by envoy Steve Witkoff, the proposal draws from Trump’s recent Gaza deal and aims to address territorial issues, European security, and U.S.-Russia relations. Ukrainian and European reactions remain uncertain as consultations continue.
Ukraine Peace Plan Talks Quick Looks
- Trump administration crafting a secret Ukraine peace plan.
- U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff leads negotiations with Russia.
- Plan includes 28 points across four strategic areas.
- Russia’s Kirill Dmitriev optimistic about the proposal.
- Ukraine and European allies not yet on board.
- Witkoff met Ukraine’s national security adviser in Miami.
- Zelensky meeting in Turkey was postponed.
- Plan seeks to reset U.S.-Russia relations and European security.
Deep Look: U.S. Quietly Drafts New 28-Point Plan to End Ukraine War with Russian Input
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has launched a secret diplomatic effort in coordination with Russia to draft a sweeping new plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, according to senior U.S. and Russian officials who spoke with Axios.
The initiative, which has remained largely under wraps, is modeled in part on President Donald Trump’s recent success brokering a deal in Gaza. The proposed framework consists of 28 key points and seeks to chart a course toward a ceasefire, address European security concerns, and lay the groundwork for future U.S. engagement with both Russia and Ukraine.
Four Pillars of the Plan
Sources familiar with the proposal say the 28 points fall into four major categories:
- Peace in Ukraine
- Security Guarantees for All Parties
- European Security Architecture
- Future U.S. Relations with Russia and Ukraine
While the plan is still in draft form, its scope is broad. It attempts to navigate some of the war’s most contentious issues—including territorial control in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces have advanced but still fall short of Moscow’s original objectives.
Backchannel Diplomacy: Trump’s Team Engages Russia
Leading the initiative is Steve Witkoff, a close Trump ally and informal envoy. Witkoff has reportedly held extensive meetings with Kirill Dmitriev, a high-level Russian official who runs Russia’s sovereign wealth fund and has long been involved in behind-the-scenes diplomacy regarding Ukraine.
Dmitriev told Axios he met with Witkoff and other members of Trump’s circle during a three-day session in Miami from October 24–26. He characterized the talks as highly productive and emphasized that Russia’s views are finally being considered in a serious way.
“We feel the Russian position is really being heard,” Dmitriev said, expressing optimism that the current effort could succeed where past peace attempts failed.
Ukraine Reacts Cautiously
The Ukrainian government has not formally endorsed the plan and remains cautious. Witkoff was scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey this week, but the meeting was postponed. Still, Witkoff met with Zelensky’s national security adviser, Rustem Umerov, in Miami earlier in the week, Ukrainian officials confirmed.
“We know the Americans are working on something,” one Ukrainian official told Axios.
A White House official emphasized Trump’s belief that “it is time to stop the killing and make a deal to end the war,” adding that flexibility from all sides could make such an agreement possible.
Vision Beyond Ukraine: A European Reset
Dmitriev framed the draft plan as more than a ceasefire deal. He said it is intended to create a broader security framework for Europe, drawing inspiration from principles discussed by Trump and Putin during a meeting in Alaska in August.
“It’s actually a much broader framework… how do we really bring lasting security to Europe, not just Ukraine,” Dmitriev explained.
The goal is to complete a detailed written plan in advance of the next Trump-Putin summit, though a potential meeting in Budapest remains on hold for now.
Navigating Global Diplomacy
The Russian side has dismissed a separate U.K.-led effort to develop a Gaza-style peace plan for Ukraine, calling it unrealistic because it ignores Russia’s positions. Dmitriev noted that Russia sees growing momentum in its favor, citing continued battlefield gains that give Moscow more leverage in negotiations.
In contrast, the U.S. side believes its plan presents a more balanced and inclusive path forward. According to U.S. officials, the White House has already begun briefing European allies to build consensus around the plan’s core elements. The document is expected to be revised with input from all relevant stakeholders, including Kyiv and Brussels.
“We think the timing is good for this plan now,” one senior U.S. official said. “But both parties need to be practical and realistic.”
What Comes Next
The proposal’s unveiling comes at a critical moment in the war. As Russia maintains pressure on the front lines and Western support for Ukraine begins to show signs of fatigue, the Trump administration sees an opening to push for a negotiated end to the conflict.
With Zelensky’s government still skeptical, and European leaders cautiously engaging, the outcome of the peace effort remains uncertain. But for now, the Trump team is pressing forward—quietly but deliberately—with what could become the most significant diplomatic effort on Ukraine since the war began.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.