A new diplomatic move by President Trump seeks to end the Ukraine-Russia conflict, but questions about transparency and inclusion linger.
Story Overview
- President Trump is secretly negotiating a peace deal with Russia, modeled after the Gaza ceasefire.
- The plan aims to resolve the longstanding Ukraine conflict with a 28-point proposal.
- Concerns arise over the exclusion of Ukraine from initial talks.
- European governments are quietly being briefed on the plan’s progress.
Secret Negotiations Aim for Peace
President Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly engaged in secret negotiations with Russian officials, seeking to establish a comprehensive peace plan for Ukraine. This initiative is inspired by the recent Gaza ceasefire framework and aims to conclude Russia’s 46-month invasion. The plan, consisting of 28 points, is being spearheaded by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian advisor Kirill Dmitriev. The main objective is to secure peace in Ukraine and establish European security guarantees, with a written document expected before a potential Trump-Putin summit.
These back-channel negotiations are bypassing traditional diplomatic routes, raising eyebrows for their lack of transparency and the exclusion of key stakeholders from the early stages. The initiative is part of Trump’s broader foreign policy strategy, which favors direct engagement with adversaries and bypassing conventional diplomatic protocols.
Watch: https://youtu.be/lWMRRI0VFZw?si=kGhZ0EqQaC6ED7nc
Key Players and Their Roles
The central figures in this diplomatic endeavor include President Trump, who is keen on a legacy-defining peace deal, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who seeks security guarantees and territorial concessions. Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer and Trump’s special envoy, is tasked with leading the negotiations, working closely with Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s senior economic advisor. Notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not been directly involved in the initial talks, though he has been briefed and is expected to meet with Witkoff soon.
European governments are being briefed on the emerging plan, indicating an attempt to build a consensus or at least acceptance. However, the lack of direct involvement of European allies in the talks so far could lead to friction, as these countries weigh the implications on their own security frameworks.
The Trump administration is reportedly drafting a secret 28-point peace plan, inspired from the Gaza ceasefire plan, in direct talks with Moscow to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Axios reportshttps://t.co/uEG3qiJ2W2
— TRT World (@trtworld) November 19, 2025
Potential Impacts and Future Prospects
The 28-point peace plan holds potential for a ceasefire or peace agreement if accepted. Yet, there are significant risks, including possible undermining of Ukraine’s sovereignty through territorial concessions. The plan’s success will depend on the willingness of all parties to compromise and reconcile divergent interests. In the short term, it could alter the geopolitical landscape of Europe, influencing defense strategies and energy markets.
The absence of transparency and the exclusion of Ukraine from the initial talks further complicate the situation, raising concerns about the legitimacy and sustainability of any agreement reached.
Sources:
Ukraine War Secret Trump-Kremlin Talks
Ukraine-Russia War Live Updates
Trump Admin Russia-Ukraine Peace Plan
TRT World on Trump’s Ukraine Peace Plan
Business Standard on Trump’s Peace Plan
