US and Russia reportedly hold talks on ending Ukraine war - Axios
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump (Photo: Getty Images)
The Trump administration is secretly consulting with Russia to develop a new plan to end the war in Ukraine. The plan will consist of 28 points, according to Axios.
Axios writes that the US 28-point plan is inspired by former President Donald Trump’s successful efforts to achieve a peace agreement in Gaza.
Axios sources said that the 28 points of the plan can be divided into four main categories:
- Peace in Ukraine
- Security guarantees
- Security in Europe
- Future relations between the US, Russia, and Ukraine
At the same time, the publication notes that it is still unclear how the plan addresses such a complex issue as territorial disputes.
According to a US official, the plan is being developed under the direction of Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, who has already discussed it with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev.
Dmitriev himself told Axios that from October 24 to 26, he spent three days with Witkoff and other members of Trump’s team during a visit to Miami.
He also expressed optimism about the chances of a successful agreement. According to him, unlike previous attempts, Moscow feels that the Russian position is truly being heard.
Confirmation of plan development and cancellation of meeting with Zelenskyy
A US official confirmed to Axios that the White House has begun briefing not only Ukrainian but also European officials about the new plan.
According to the official, the Trump administration believes there is a real chance to gain support from both Ukraine and European countries, and that the plan will be adapted based on proposals from different parties.
“We think the timing is good for this plan now. But both parties need to be practical and realistic,” the US official said.
Axios also notes that on Wednesday, Witkoff was scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey, but postponed his trip.
The media outlet further reports that the official confirmed Witkoff has already discussed the peace plan with National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov during a meeting in Miami earlier this week.
“We know the Americans are working on something,” the source said.
What Dmitriev said about the new plan
In a comment to Axios, Putin’s special envoy said that the main idea is to take the principles agreed upon by the US and Russian leaders at the Alaska summit and prepare a proposal to resolve the war, restore US-Russia relations, and address Russia’s security concerns.
“It's actually a much broader framework, basically saying, 'How do we really bring, finally, lasting security to Europe, not just Ukraine,'” he said.
According to Dmitriev, the goal is to prepare a written document on this issue before the next meeting between Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.
Additionally, the Russian envoy clarified that these efforts are not related to the UK’s attempt to develop a peace plan for Ukraine based on the Gaza model. He claims the British plan has no chance of success because it supposedly ignores Russia’s position.
Dmitriev added that the US is currently explaining the advantages of its current approach to Ukraine and European countries. He links this to Russia’s additional successes on the frontlines.
