US military officials in Kyiv as Europe warns against reported Russia peace plan

November 20, 2025

Senior Pentagon officials, including US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and top military commanders, have traveled to Ukraine for discussions aimed at ending the war with Russia, marking the highest-level military delegation since Trump took office. Their visit coincides with reports of a controversial 28-point peace framework allegedly drafted by US and Russian envoys that would require Ukraine to surrender territory in the Donbas, drastically reduce its military, and give up weapons—conditions President Zelensky has consistently rejected. European and Ukrainian officials were reportedly excluded from drafting this proposal, raising concerns it heavily favors Russia, while EU leaders emphasize that any viable plan must include Ukrainian and European participation.

Who is affected

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko
Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal
Ukrainian citizens (including at least 26 killed and 22 missing in Ternopil attack)
US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, Gen Randy George, Gen Chris Donahue, and Sergeant Major Michael Weimer
Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Special envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg (leaving his post)
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot
European and Ukrainian officials (excluded from drafting the proposal)

What action is being taken

Senior Pentagon officials are currently holding talks with Ukrainian officials in Kyiv
The US is consulting both sides of the conflict to develop potential ideas for ending the war
Russian missile and drone attacks are continuing (Ternopil attack occurred Wednesday)
Keith Kellogg is leaving his post as special envoy to Ukraine

Why it matters

This represents a critical juncture in the Ukraine-Russia conflict as the Trump administration pursues peace negotiations that could fundamentally alter Ukraine's sovereignty and security. The reported framework, which excludes European and Ukrainian input, signals a potential shift in US policy that may prioritize rapid resolution over Ukrainian territorial integrity and self-determination. The visit of the highest-level US military delegation since Trump took office demonstrates the seriousness of peace efforts, but the proposed concessions—including territorial surrender and military reduction—conflict directly with Ukraine's stated red lines and raise concerns among European allies about undermining Ukraine's position and creating an unsustainable peace that rewards Russian aggression.

What's next

The US military delegation is expected to meet with President Zelensky later in the day (Thursday)
The US will continue consulting both sides to develop potential ideas for ending the war
Keith Kellogg will leave his post in January

Read full article from source: BBC