Trump Sends Envoys to Putin and Ukraine as “Fine-Tuned” Peace Plan Enters Critical Phase
President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that his administration has “fine-tuned” its plan to end the war in Ukraine and is now dispatching senior envoys to meet leaders on both sides of the conflict. Real estate executive and diplomat Steve Witkoff will travel to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, while Army Secretary Dan Driscoll will engage with Ukrainian officials in a separate round of discussions.
Trump indicated that he and Vice President JD Vance, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, will receive direct updates on progress. He said he is willing to meet both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but only when negotiations reach their final stages.
“A Good Deal for Both Parties,” Trump Says
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump acknowledged that resolving the conflict has been difficult due to deep mistrust between the warring nations. However, he insisted momentum is shifting in favor of his proposal. He suggested that Witkoff could meet Putin next week, with Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner potentially joining the talks.
Driscoll completed two days of meetings with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi earlier this week, with his office describing the discussions as “optimistic.”
Conflict Rages On Amid Diplomatic Push
Even as negotiations advance, Russia launched a major overnight assault on Kyiv, firing drones and missiles that struck residential buildings and energy facilities. Seven people were killed in the attack, Ukrainian officials said. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone strike on southern Russia killed three people and damaged multiple structures.
Despite renewed violence, Trump expressed confidence that U.S. diplomatic efforts are moving the parties closer to a breakthrough. Witkoff has become the administration’s primary liaison with Putin, while Driscoll has taken on a larger role in shaping the peace framework.
European Leaders See “Crucial Juncture” in Peace Process
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that the peace effort is gaining momentum and has reached a pivotal moment. Senior U.S. and Ukrainian officials met in Geneva on Sunday, followed by a virtual meeting of European allies on Tuesday. Rubio participated in both discussions.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he sees progress, noting that much of the draft agreement appears acceptable to Zelenskyy. However, Ukrainian delegate Oleksandr Bevz urged caution, saying it is “very premature” to claim that a deal has been finalized.
Bevz added that some elements of the U.S. proposal have been removed or condensed, with a focus on ensuring durable security guarantees for Ukraine.
EU Leaders Push for Stronger Pressure on Russia
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called Russia’s recent strikes “unacceptable” and said continued pressure is necessary to push Moscow toward serious negotiations.
Ukrainians Remain Hopeful but Wary
Zelenskyy said Monday that the core steps required to end the war may now be “workable.” His adviser Rustem Umerov stated that Ukraine hopes to finalize the deal in November, pending sensitive discussions with Trump.
Russia has been cautious in its public statements, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirming ongoing communication with U.S. officials as they prepare the latest draft of the agreement.
Intense Attacks Continue on Both Sides
Russia fired 22 missiles and more than 460 drones into Ukraine overnight, damaging essential services across Kyiv. One 90-year-old resident described her apartment as being completely destroyed when “glass rained down” during the strikes.
In response, Ukraine launched one of its largest drone offensives of the war, targeting Russian oil facilities, airfields, and manufacturing sites. Russian authorities claim to have intercepted 249 drones.
As both nations trade escalating attacks, diplomats across Europe and the U.S. are racing to secure a peace framework that could finally halt nearly four years of war.
