Donald Trump has chosen one of his key officials to engage with Vladimir Putin in a last-ditch effort to salvage his Ukraine peace agreement. Trump shared on Truth Social that his strategy to resolve the conflict in Ukraine has been refined. He announced the dispatch of US envoy Steve Witkoff to hold discussions with Putin in Moscow. Simultaneously, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian representatives. Trump hinted at a potential future meeting with Putin and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasizing that such a meeting would only take place once significant progress has been achieved in negotiations.
Trump stated on Truth Social, “To advance this Peace Plan, I have instructed my Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to confer with President Putin in Moscow, while Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will engage with the Ukrainians.” He further mentioned that he will be briefed on the progress made, alongside Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Trump expressed anticipation for a potential meeting with President Zelenskyy and President Putin, but emphasized that it would only happen when the deal to end the war is in its final stages.
Following a meeting between Driscoll and Russian officials in Abu Dhabi, sources reported positive developments in the talks. Over the weekend, the Ukrainian delegation reportedly reached an agreement with the United States on the terms of a possible peace deal, with Trump highlighting only a few remaining points of contention.
While the initial peace proposals by the White House faced criticism from Britain and European allies, who raised concerns about Ukraine ceding territory to Russia and limiting its military size, Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed optimism regarding talks on a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Starmer, engaged in discussions with leaders of Ukraine’s allies, conveyed that progress was being made towards a positive direction, ensuring that the proposed plan aligns with Ukraine’s interests for a sustainable peace.
During a call with European allies, the Prime Minister acknowledged constructive changes proposed by Ukraine, backed by European national security advisers. Starmer indicated a positive trajectory in the negotiations, with indications that the majority of the proposed plan could be accepted, paving the way for a lasting peace agreement.