Key points: The Trump administration is reportedly working on a 28‑point peace framework with Russia, led by special envoy Steve Witkoff. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll led a senior Pentagon team to Kyiv to review battlefield needs and discuss the nascent talks. Russian and U.S. officials confirm high‑level contacts, but the Kremlin says there are "no new developments" beyond earlier meetings. It remains unclear how Europe and Ukraine have been involved or whether they would endorse the draft.
Trump Administration Quietly Advances 28‑Point Peace Framework with Russia as Pentagon Delegation Visits Kyiv
Key points: The Trump administration is reportedly working on a 28‑point peace framework with Russia, led by special envoy Steve Witkoff. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll led a senior Pentagon team to Kyiv to review battlefield needs and discuss the nascent talks. Russian and U.S. officials confirm high‑level contacts, but the Kremlin says there are "no new developments" beyond earlier meetings. It remains unclear how Europe and Ukraine have been involved or whether they would endorse the draft.
07:43 PM, 11/19/2025Politics
Overview
The Trump administration is quietly pursuing a new 28‑point peace framework with Russia aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, according to a person familiar with the discussions. Special envoy Steve Witkoff is said to be leading the effort, which aides say accelerated after perceived signs of renewed Kremlin openness to negotiations.
U.S. Delegation Visits Kyiv
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll led a senior Pentagon delegation to Kyiv on a fact‑finding visit to meet Ukrainian officials and discuss battlefield conditions, weapons needs and early-stage peace talks. The delegation included Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, U.S. Army Europe commander Gen. Chris Donahue and Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer.
High‑Level Contacts with Russia
Russian sources also confirmed ongoing high‑level contacts between U.S. and Russian officials, and said Russia’s special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, traveled to the United States in October for productive discussions with Witkoff and others. U.S. officials described the contacts as part of a White House effort to resuscitate negotiations.
Contents of the Draft
According to people familiar with the draft, the proposed framework covers roughly 28 points, addressing security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe as well as the future diplomatic and economic relationship among the United States, Russia and Ukraine. Details remain sparse and subject to negotiation.
Responses and Uncertainties
The Kremlin downplayed recent reports of a breakthrough, stating there were "no new developments" beyond prior discussions. It remains unclear how — or whether — Ukraine and European partners have been involved in shaping or endorsing the draft, and whether they would accept its terms.
Background
Previous U.S. proposals focused on freezing forces along current front lines as a basis for broader talks; Kyiv and many European governments viewed that as a starting point, while Russian officials have emphasized the goal of a longer‑term settlement rather than a temporary ceasefire. Earlier efforts faltered when Moscow declined to make major concessions.
The White House declined to provide an on‑the‑record comment. Officials say discussions remain fluid and conditional on further bilateral and multilateral consultations.