US Army Secretary Sees Hope in New Ukraine Peace Plan After Kyiv Meetings
The proposed US framework aims for a lasting ceasefire, though European officials voice concerns over concessions to Russia.
KYIV, Nov 21: US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll expressed being “very optimistic” following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, where they discussed a new US backed peace plan for Ukraine, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
At a briefing on Thursday, Leavitt added that US President Donald Trump supports the emerging plan. “It’s a good plan for both Russia and Ukraine, and we believe it should be acceptable to both sides. We’re working very hard to get it done,” she said.
The framework, quietly drafted over the past month by US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and State Secretary Marco Rubio, reflects consultations with both Russia and Ukraine to identify commitments necessary for a lasting peace.
Zelensky’s office announced that the Ukrainian president will speak with Trump in the coming days to discuss “diplomatic opportunities and the key points required to achieve peace.”
According to US media reports, the current draft includes 28 points, involving major territorial concessions by Ukraine, reductions in its armed forces, and restrictions on long-range weapons. The plan may also limit the deployment of European peacekeeping forces following a ceasefire.
The proposal has drawn criticism in Europe, with officials concerned about being sidelined and viewing certain elements as favoring Russia. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that any viable peace plan requires the backing of both Ukraine and European nations.
Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have largely stalled since the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska in August.
