(KYIV, UKRAINE) – A report published by the US outlet Axios has sparked concern and confusion in Kyiv after suggesting that the United States has been quietly working with Russia on a proposed plan to end the war in Ukraine. The report claims that this initiative has been developed without full Ukrainian involvement, raising questions about its feasibility and political impact.
According to Axios, Washington has drafted a twenty eight point plan inspired in part by recent attempts by the United States to negotiate a settlement in Gaza. Citing Reuters, the report states that the plan may include Ukraine giving up some of its territory, relinquishing certain weapons and reducing the size of its armed forces. Reuters also reported that the United States has signalled to Ukrainian officials that Kyiv would be expected to accept the agreement.
When asked about these reports, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the suggestion of any new proposals, saying that there had been discussions in Anchorage but nothing beyond that. Despite the Kremlin’s denial of progress, Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities have continued. Overnight strikes on the western city of Ternopil killed at least twenty five people and injured more than seventy others. Local officials said that over four hundred and seventy drones and forty eight missiles were launched, leaving rescue teams working throughout the day to pull survivors from damaged residential buildings.
DW correspondent Mariel Müller reported from Kyiv that two senior US Army officials, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Army Chief of Staff General George, are visiting the Ukrainian capital. Their presence during active conflict is unusual. They are expected to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky and likely discuss the reported proposals. Müller noted that US special envoy Steve Whitford has been involved in drafting the reported plan, which Axios claims groups its points into four categories: the future of peace in Ukraine, security guarantees, broader security in Europe and future relations between the United States, Ukraine and Russia. According to additional reports, the discussions have involved Russian envoy Dmitriv, with meetings allegedly taking place over three days in Miami in October.
Ukrainian politicians and the public have reacted cautiously. President Zelensky acknowledged that Kyiv has received signals from Washington but did not elaborate. He is expected to seek clarity when he meets the US delegation. Observers note that Zelensky must avoid appearing unwilling to participate in talks while also defending Ukraine’s core interests.
Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Honcharenko, a member of the opposition European Solidarity Party, expressed scepticism. He said that the reports sounded similar to previous Russian information efforts and did not reflect Ukraine’s position. He warned that any proposal requiring Ukraine to reduce its armed forces would be unacceptable and described such suggestions as resembling a call for surrender. He stressed that Ukraine’s military strength is its primary safeguard, particularly after previous security guarantees offered to Ukraine in 1994 under the Budapest Memorandum did not prevent Russia’s later aggression.
Honcharenko stated that he had not been briefed on the purpose of the US Army officials’ visit and expected more information to emerge after their meetings. He welcomed their presence but said he did not believe Washington would pressure Ukraine into agreeing to terms that undermine its security or sovereignty.
When asked whether US President Donald Trump might be negotiating behind Kyiv’s back, Honcharenko cautioned that much of the information circulating remains unconfirmed. He noted that Ukraine wants peace but any agreement must serve Ukrainian interests and protect civilians, who continue to suffer from Russian attacks. Honcharenko expressed appreciation for diplomatic efforts but insisted that peace must be genuine rather than a temporary ceasefire favouring the Kremlin.
Responding to suggestions that the US may be pressuring Zelensky with an ultimatum, Honcharenko said such a scenario remains hypothetical. He warned, however, that forcing Ukraine into an unfavourable deal would risk political instability and questions from American taxpayers about the purpose of substantial financial and military assistance provided to Ukraine.
Honcharenko also addressed concerns that Zelensky’s position has been weakened by a recent domestic corruption scandal. He acknowledged that the situation has had political consequences but emphasised that Ukraine remains a democratic country where public acceptance of any peace agreement is essential.
He concluded that if any Ukrainian leader were faced with choosing between accepting an unacceptable deal or stepping aside, the interests of the country must come first. However, he reiterated his belief that the reports of a US Russian plan remain unverified and that Washington understands the need for any peace settlement to be acceptable to Ukrainian society
