In what could represent a significant diplomatic breakthrough aimed at halting Europe’s largest conflict in decades, US President Donald Trump has reportedly “quietly” approved a 28-point peace plan for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This comprehensive framework was developed in secret consultation with both Russian and Ukrainian officials.
Media reported the approval this week, citing a senior administration official. The official confirmed that top administration officials, led by U.S. Special Envoy for Peace Missions Steve Witkoff, have been “quietly developed” the plan over several weeks. Crucially, this effort involved consultations with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev and also senior Ukrainian officials, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s national security adviser Rustem Umerov.
A Plan Inspired by the Gaza Deal
The proposal was first disclosed by Axios, which noted that the US proposal drew inspiration from President Trump’s recent 20-point Gaza peace plan (announced on September 29, 2025, which led to a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel).
The 28-point Ukraine framework is organized around four key pillars:
- Peace in Ukraine.
- Security Guarantees.
- Security in Europe (broader European stability).
- Future U.S. relations with Russia and Ukraine.
While the exact specifics remain confidential and subject to negotiation, the plan aims to build on principles previously agreed to by Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Reports suggest, however, that the plan may include contentious demands, such as requiring Ukraine to cede some territory and potentially reduce the size of its military, conditions Kyiv has previously rejected as non-starters.
A White House official told Axios that the President believes “there is a chance to end this senseless war if flexibility is shown,” indicating a focus on achieving a deal even if it requires difficult concessions from all sides. The Russian side has also reportedly expressed optimism, saying they feel the “Russian position is really being heard.”
Timing and Diplomatic Moves
Although President Trump has approved the draft framework, three US officials indicated that the peace deal has yet to be formally presented to Ukrainian leaders. The timing of the draft’s completion, however, directly aligned with a significant diplomatic mission.
A high-level American Army delegation landed in Ukraine’s Kyiv on Wednesday morning with two primary objectives:
- To discuss military strategy and technology with Ukrainian leadership.
- To help reinvigorate the stalled peace process against the backdrop of this new US proposal.
This signals a renewed, decisive push by the Trump administration to move the nearly four-year-old conflict from a prolonged stalemate into a diplomatic channel.
The Stalemate in Eastern Europe
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has resulted in massive destruction, thousands of casualties, and millions of displaced people. The war has largely centered on intense battles in eastern and southern Ukraine, with Russia seeking to consolidate control over occupied regions. The new US-led plan now attempts to find a way out of the current stalemate, despite Russia and Ukraine having not held direct negotiations since the summer.