Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The outline, still under development inside the Trump administration, is already raising questions about whether it leans toward Moscow’s long-standing demands.
A renewed U.S. effort to chart an end to Russia’s invasion is prompting unease in Kyiv, as early details of a peace framework circulate among allies.
The Kyiv Independent reported that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is shaping the proposal while speaking directly with Kirill Dmitriev, described as Russia’s senior economic negotiator.
Axios said U.S. officials have begun briefing Ukrainian and European partners on key elements of the plan.
Sources told the Kyiv Independent the framework envisions Ukraine giving up territory and surrendering certain weapons systems, along with cuts to its military.
These ideas have sparked concern inside Ukraine’s Presidential Office.
Returning demands
One Ukrainian official suggested to the Kyiv Independent that Washington appears to be moving closer to Moscow’s preferred terms.
Russia had previously softened some of its broader demands, narrowing talks to territorial concessions, but those dropped conditions seem to be resurfacing.
Another source familiar with the discussions said the Kremlin has toughened its stance, sensing Ukraine’s battlefield struggles and fallout from a corruption scandal involving people close to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Diplomatic tensions
Zelensky announced on Nov. 18 that he would travel to Turkey to “reinvigorate negotiations,” signaling an attempt to reopen multiple paths.
That same day, U.S. President Donald Trump said, “I’ve stopped eight wars. I have another one to go with (Vladimir) Putin. I’m a little surprised at Putin. It’s taken longer than I thought.”
The Kyiv Independent also reported that a military-led delegation will brief the White House after visiting Ukraine, before heading to Moscow for further talks.
Firm lines
Kyiv, backed by European partners, continues to push for a ceasefire along current positions, while Russia insists on Ukrainian withdrawal from Donetsk and Luhansk.
On Nov 19, Reuters cited Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov for saying, “No, there are no developments to report at this time.”
After his Turkey visit, Zelensky wrote that “only President Trump and the U.S. have sufficient strength for the war to finally end.”
Sources: Kyiv Independent, Axios, Reuters
