Top US military officials land in Kyiv for high-stakes talks on ending the war; reports of secret peace plan spark global debate

A high-ranking Pentagon delegation arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday in what could become a pivotal moment in the US–Russia–Ukraine triangle. According to US military officials, the mission’s purpose is to “discuss efforts to end the war” as reports swirl about a new, undisclosed peace framework drafted by Washington and Moscow.

The delegation is led by US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, accompanied by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, US Army Europe commander Gen. Chris Donahue, and Sgt. Maj. Michael Weimer — the most senior US military presence in Kyiv since President Donald Trump took office.

A critical meeting with Zelensky

President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet Driscoll on Thursday after returning from Turkey.
The visit comes as multiple outlets — including Axios, Reuters and the Financial Times — report that a 28-point peace proposal has been quietly prepared by envoys from both Washington and Moscow.

Neither side has officially confirmed the document.

A deadly reminder of the war’s brutality

Hours before the US delegation arrived, Russia launched one of its deadliest strikes in western Ukraine.
At least 26 people, including children, were killed in Ternopil after a barrage of X-101 cruise missiles and drone attacks. More than 70 others were injured.

Ukraine’s air force, despite using newly supplied F-16s and Mirage 2000s, said its air-defense system remains overstretched and urged Western partners for uninterrupted deliveries.

What’s allegedly in the secret peace plan?

According to leaks:

• Ukraine would cede some territory

• drastically reduce its military forces

• surrender certain weapons systems

• adopt a form of enforced neutrality

The plan is reportedly being shaped by:

• Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy

• Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s trusted intermediary

An unnamed Ukrainian official told CBS that Zelensky and Trump have “already agreed” to freeze the conflict along current front-line positions.

The Kremlin plays coy

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov referenced the “Anchorage spirit,” alluding to the confidential Putin–Trump summit held in Alaska in August.
No agreements from that summit have been published.

Zelensky rejects territorial concessions

Despite growing pressure, Zelensky has repeatedly said he will never hand over Ukrainian territory in exchange for peace.

Ukraine and its Western allies continue to call for a full ceasefire, which Russia dismisses unless its maximalist demands are met.

Russia’s conditions remain unchanged

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated earlier this month that Russia’s preconditions are the same as before the 2022 invasion:

• ceding territory

• restricting Ukraine’s armed forces

• guaranteeing long-term neutrality

A crucial moment for US diplomacy

The Pentagon delegation’s arrival underscores Washington’s intent to regain control of the negotiation process — especially as Trump seeks rapid de-escalation while maintaining US influence.

The war enters a new stage where secret diplomacy may determine the battlefield’s future as much as military strength.