Key Highlights
- The White House and Moscow have been secretly working on a proposal to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.
- U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian Envoy Kirill Dmitriev have extensively discussed the 28-point peace plan.
- Russia has repeatedly issued maximalist demands, including that Ukraine give up its NATO aspirations, demilitarize, and cede territory.
- The secretive peace deal focuses on peace in Ukraine, security in Europe, security guarantees, and future relations between the U.S., Kyiv, and Moscow.
Secret Peace Talks Between the White House and Moscow
The United States is reportedly holding secret peace talks with Moscow to end Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. According to reports by Axios on November 18, citing U.S. and Russian officials, the White House and Russian Envoy Kirill Dmitriev have been working on a proposal that includes a comprehensive framework for peace in Ukraine, security in Europe, and future relations between the two nations.
28-Point Peace Plan
The 28-point peace plan has been extensively discussed by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian Envoy Kirill Dmitriev. Dmitriev expressed optimism about the talks, stating that Russia’s position is being heard for the first time in previous direct peace negotiations.
Historical Context of Russian Demands
In contrast to past negotiations, Russia has been making maximalist demands from Ukraine. These include giving up NATO aspirations, demilitarization, and ceding territory that Kyiv currently controls. The secretive nature of these talks is intended to avoid the pitfalls of public pressure and media scrutiny that often hamper such sensitive discussions.
Recent Meetings and Future Plans
Russian Envoy Kirill Dmitriev met with Witkoff and other senior members of the White House administration in Miami from October 24-26. The two sides hope to produce a written document before U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet, although a proposed Budapest summit has been called off by Trump due to perceived lack of productivity.
Impact on Other Diplomatic Efforts
The secret peace talks have also affected other diplomatic efforts, including the postponement of Witkoff’s planned meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey. Meanwhile, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov has discussed the secretive deal at a separate Miami meeting with Witkoff.
The White House has begun briefing Ukrainian and European officials on the new peace plan, reflecting its commitment to involve multiple stakeholders in the diplomatic process. The ongoing talks represent an important step towards resolving one of the world’s most protracted conflicts, but significant challenges remain as both sides seek to achieve their respective goals.
