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Senior US military delegation in Kyiv amid reports of peace framework talks
A high-level US military delegation arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday to discuss efforts to end the war in Ukraine, the Pentagon confirmed, as reports emerged of a potential peace framework drafted by American and Russian envoys. The team, led by US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, marking the most senior US military visit to Ukraine since President Donald Trump took office in January.
Unconfirmed peace framework sparks debate
Reports surfaced on Wednesday suggesting that US and Russian officials had prepared a 28-point peace plan requiring significant concessions from Ukraine, including territorial losses and military downsizing. Drafted by Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev, the framework remains unconfirmed by Washington or Moscow. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the complexity of negotiations, stating on X that a "durable peace will require both sides to agree to difficult but necessary concessions."
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that any viable plan must include Ukrainian and European support, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot rejected the idea of Ukrainian "capitulation." The reports coincided with a deadly Russian missile and drone strike on residential buildings in Ternopil, western Ukraine, which killed at least 26 people and left 22 missing, according to Zelensky.
US delegation's agenda remains unclear
The Pentagon described Driscoll's visit as a "fact-finding mission" to meet Ukrainian officials, without mentioning the reported framework. Accompanying Driscoll are Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, top US Army commander in Europe Gen. Chris Donahue, and Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer. A Ukrainian official told CBS that discussions would focus on the military situation and potential ceasefire plans, adding that Zelensky and Trump had allegedly agreed to halt the conflict along current frontlines with security guarantees.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal posted on X after meeting Driscoll, stating that talks centered on "implementing the historic defense agreements reached by President Zelensky and President Trump." The draft framework, reportedly finalized after three days of meetings in Miami last month, was not discussed publicly during the delegation's arrival.
Ukraine rejects territorial concessions
Zelensky has repeatedly dismissed the possibility of ceding territory to Russia, a stance echoed by Western allies. The reported framework includes demands for Ukraine to relinquish parts of Donbas, reduce its armed forces, and surrender weapons-conditions Kyiv has long opposed. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov downplayed the reports, referencing the "spirit of Anchorage," a term tied to a 2024 summit between Putin and Trump in Alaska.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated Moscow's unchanged preconditions for peace, including territorial concessions and Ukrainian neutrality. Meanwhile, White House special envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg, a key advocate for Kyiv, is set to leave his post in January, reportedly concluding his Senate-approved term.
Ternopil attack overshadows diplomatic efforts
The delegation's visit followed a devastating Russian strike on Ternopil, where Zelensky had been expected to meet Trump's envoy in Ankara before talks were reportedly canceled. The attack underscored the ongoing violence as diplomatic efforts unfold. Ukrainian officials have not confirmed whether the canceled Ankara meeting was linked to the peace framework discussions.
"Supplies have stabilized, but conservation remains essential."
Ukrainian Defense Ministry statement (paraphrased from CBS report)
