US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social on 25/11 that he has directed envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, "in hopes of finalizing this peace plan." He added that Army Secretary Dan Driscoll would simultaneously meet Ukrainian officials.
A draft of the US-proposed plan was sent to Ukraine on 20/11. This draft includes several demands previously made by Russia, such as Ukraine ceding the Donbass region, agreeing to military size limitations, and abandoning its goal of joining NATO.
Trump reiterated his hope to meet Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky soon, but stated this would only occur "when a deal to end hostilities is complete or in its final stages."
The US President praised the "significant progress" his team achieved last week. He noted that the "original 28-point peace plan, drafted by the US, has been adjusted with additional input from both sides and now has only a few points of disagreement remaining."
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US President Donald Trump at the White House on 25/11. Photo: AFP
On 25/11, Zelensky informed allies that Ukraine is "ready to take the next step" with the new US-proposed plan to end the conflict. However, he noted that "sensitive points" remain which he wishes to discuss with the US President.
AFP reported that the initial US plan, which was perceived as leaning heavily towards Russia, has been replaced by a version that better considers Ukraine's interests. An official familiar with the new plan described it as "significantly better." Nevertheless, US officials acknowledged that "sensitive issues" persist.
Discussions have been ongoing since last weekend, with Ukrainian and US representatives holding a private meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss the new peace plan. The latest negotiations, involving US and Russian delegations, also occurred in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. US negotiator Dan Driscoll expressed optimism following his meeting with the Russian side.
The White House lauded the "major progress," stressing that "some sensitive but not insurmountable details need to be resolved."
Huyen Le (According to AFP, CNN)
