The United States is reportedly working to organize a new meeting between Donald Trump’s special envoy, Robert O’Brien Witkoff, and Russian representatives to discuss a proposed framework agreement aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. According to CNN, the terms under discussion have sparked serious concern in both Kyiv and across Europe.
U.S. plan includes ceasefire, front line freeze, and recognition of occupied territories
CNN, citing sources close to the Trump team, reports that the U.S. proposal includes a ceasefire, the freezing of the current front line, and the de facto recognition of Russian control over occupied Ukrainian regions — including Crimea. If implemented, the plan would essentially allow Moscow to retain the territories it seized during the war, in violation of international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The plan was reportedly presented to both Ukrainian and European negotiators during private talks in Paris. It was also discussed in a phone call between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Ukraine denies claims of “90% agreement” with U.S. proposal
In response to Western media reports, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense denied allegations that Kyiv had “90% agreed” to the U.S.-backed peace plan. Sky News cites an official statement in which Ukraine’s defense authorities emphasized that they are not involved in political decision-making and have no mandate to assess peace talks in numerical terms.
This directly contradicts earlier reports from U.S. media quoting Trump administration insiders who claimed that Ukraine’s defense ministry had all but fully endorsed the American proposal.
Background: Another attempt to “freeze” the war on Russia’s terms
This new initiative appears to follow a broader trend among some U.S. political circles aligned with Trump, which seeks to “freeze” the conflict instead of resolving it. The proposed plan would effectively solidify Russia’s territorial gains and legitimize the results of military aggression.
For years, Moscow has pushed for a so-called “new Yalta” — a redivision of Ukraine under the guise of peace. With its large-scale invasion failing to deliver a decisive victory, the Kremlin now seeks to impose a political solution that cements its occupation.
Kyiv, however, remains committed to President Zelenskyy’s peace formula, which calls for full restoration of territorial integrity, accountability for Russian crimes, and long-term security guarantees.
📌 As the pressure for negotiations grows, Ukraine is stepping up efforts to shift the conversation from compromise to victory. Read more on the country’s evolving diplomatic strategy here: “Ukraine Plans Peace Talks Without Russia: A New Approach to Ending the War”