Zelenskyy debriefs following meeting with U.S. Army Secretary on pathways to ‘real peace’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed having held a high-level meeting with U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, where the two sides explored “options for achieving real peace,” diplomatic momentum, and collaborative formats for dialogue.

Zelenskyy shared these details in a Telegram post, underscoring Ukraine’s readiness for substantive engagement.

In the discussion, Zelenskyy highlighted that Ukrainian and U.S. teams would jointly refine elements of a proposed “28-point peace plan” aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. “We are ready for constructive, honest, and operational work,” he emphasized, signalling Kyiv’s commitment to advancing the process.

The Ukrainian leader also briefed Driscoll on Russia’s recent missile strike on Ternopil, which damaged a residential high-rise building and caused civilian casualties.

He provided detailed intelligence on foreign components evading sanctions to fuel Russian weaponry, noting that the Kh-101 cruise missile used in the attack – manufactured in 2025- contained 175 such parts sourced from various countries. “We are counting on the help of the United States in limiting all schemes,” Zelenskyy wrote, urging stronger enforcement measures.

Zelenskyy praised the role of US President Donald Trump and his administration in bolstering European security. “Ukraine defends life and independence thanks to the courage of our people, our unity within the state, and the help of partners,” he added. “We are working to ensure that all three elements are strong enough.”

US Chargé d’Affaires to Ukraine, Julie Davis, described the talks as “extremely constructive.” In a statement, she noted: “US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and I had extremely constructive talks with the Ukrainian leadership today – all share President Trump’s vision for ending this war. Finally, the situation is shaping up in favor of peace – the peace that Ukrainians have been waiting for so long.”

An informed source within Ukraine’s Office of the President previously told Suspilne that the meeting included Driscoll alongside American generals, aligning with the Trump administration’s broader push to revive peace negotiations.

Background on the ’28-Point Peace Plan’

The meeting comes amid reports of a US-drafted “28-point peace plan” for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, first detailed by Axios on 19 November.

Drawing inspiration from Trump’s previous diplomatic efforts, such as the Gaza deal, the proposal – developed in secret consultations with Russian officials – outlines provisions across four categories: peace in Ukraine, security guarantees, European stability, and future US ties with both nations.

According to Axios sources, including a US official, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff has spearheaded the plan’s creation. Witkoff reportedly discussed drafts with Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund and a key Putin ally, during a recent Miami visit.

A Ukrainian source cited by Axios indicated that Witkoff also engaged Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council Secretary Rustem Umerov on the matter in Miami this week.

Suspilne reports that Umerov has returned to Ukraine. Earlier, the media reported that Umerov allegedly did not intend to return to Ukraine, supposedly because of the unfolding graft scandal.

NBC News, citing a senior U.S. official, reported that Trump has personally approved the 28-point framework, which was shaped by Witkoff, Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

While specifics remain under negotiation, the plan has sparked controversy for echoing Russian demands.

The Financial Times, drawing on briefed officials, outlined key elements:

Territorial concessions: Full transfer of remaining eastern Donbas areas (including portions currently held by Kyiv) to Russian control.
Military downsizing: Halving the size of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
Arms restrictions: Prohibition on foreign troop deployments in Ukraine and an end to Western supplies of long-range weapons.
Defence limitations: Ukraine’s forgoing of certain advanced weaponry systems and reduced US military aid.
Humanitarian measures: Elevation of Russian to official state language status and reinstatement of the Russian Orthodox Church’s branch as an official entity.

Kyiv officials familiar with the draft described it as aligning closely with the Kremlin’s “maximalist demands,” warning that without major revisions, it would be untenable for Ukraine.

The proposal also reportedly includes a U.S.-led security guarantee for Ukraine and Europe, potentially involving European fighter jets based in Poland, but explicitly bars NATO membership for Kyiv or any post-ceasefire Western peacekeeping presence.

Additionally, it envisions redirecting $100 billion in frozen Russian assets toward Ukraine’s reconstruction.

As rumours swirl, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for “difficult compromises” from both sides to secure lasting peace. “The United States continues to form a list of ideas for ending the fighting, taking into account the positions of both Kyiv and Moscow,” he stated.

Europeans push back at U.S. peace plan for Ukraine seen as tantamount to capitulation

Caption: The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll in Kyiv on 20 November 2025 [Website of the President of Ukraine]