Ukraine Agrees to US Peace Plan as Washington, Russia Meet in UAE: Cautious Optimism for War’s End

Nearly four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, diplomatic movement suggests the brutal conflict may be nearing a turning point. This week, US officials and Ukraine’s national security adviser confirmed that Kyiv has agreed to the basic terms of a peace deal brokered by the Trump administration. The announcement follows several rounds of tough international negotiations—most recently in Geneva and now in the United Arab Emirates—where a US delegation has been meeting Russian officials to iron out the details.​

Ukraine and US Close to Peace Deal

According to CBS News and statements from Ukraine’s top security chief, Rustem Umerov, both US and Ukrainian negotiators have reached a “common understanding” on a peace proposal. While some “minor details” remain unresolved, both sides have signaled readiness to move forward. Umerov voiced optimism that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could visit Washington in the coming days to finalize an agreement directly with President Donald Trump.

The momentum comes after diplomatic talks in Geneva helped allay some of Kyiv’s strongest objections to an initial American plan. While it’s clear the process of drafting a final document will be difficult, the spirit among negotiators is one of cautious optimism—with the highest-profile and politically sensitive issues now set to be discussed at the leader-to-leader level between Trump and Zelenskyy.​

What’s in the Proposed Peace Deal?

Although the full details of the peace plan have not been publicly released, leaked drafts provide insight into the major sticking points. Trump administration officials originally circulated a 28-point plan widely seen as pro-Russian; for example, it would require Ukraine to cede more territory, accept limits on its military, and pledge never to join NATO—conditions Kyiv has previously rejected as tantamount to surrender.​

In recent days, following heated debate with Ukrainian, American, and European negotiators, the draft points have reportedly been whittled down (some reports say to just 19). The most controversial ideas—such as limiting Ukraine’s future military size and offering amnesty for war-related acts—have been softened or removed. What remains are still difficult choices: any final settlement will likely need Ukraine to forgo NATO membership and make painful territorial concessions in parts of the Donetsk region and elsewhere being held by Russian forces.​

The plan also envisions reliable security guarantees for Ukraine, possibly modeled on NATO’s Article 5 pledge of mutual defense—though actual details, and the credibility of such guarantees, remain a topic of intense negotiation.​

US Talks with Russia in the UAE

As Kyiv and Washington inch closer to a peace framework, US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is leading direct talks with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi. These US-Russia meetings in the UAE follow multiple sessions with European partners and Ukrainians in Geneva last week. The delegates are working through last-minute differences and, according to US officials, “remain optimistic” that a deal can be shaped that ends the war and secures a measure of stability for Ukraine.​

Public statements by US Army Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Tolbert confirm that Secretary Driscoll is in “close synchronization” with the White House and that “the talks are going well.” Sources describe the UAE as a neutral site chosen for its ability to host both sides for extended, confidential negotiations.​

Key Issues Still to Be Settled

The largest unresolved point—according to all actors—remains the fate of Ukrainian territory. Trump’s plan was rumored to ask Ukraine to give up not just the territory already occupied by Russian forces, but potentially other areas like the entire Donetsk region, including sections under Kyiv’s control. This is a dealbreaker for many in Ukraine, and Zelenskyy has vowed that no plan will go forward unless Ukraine’s sovereignty is protected.​

Another major topic is Ukraine’s security. While the US-led plan offers strong “security guarantees,” there is skepticism at home and in Europe about how enforceable these would be if Ukraine is banned from joining NATO. Questions about rebuilding, sanctions on Russia, prisoner exchanges, and accountability for war crimes are also likely being debated behind closed doors.​

European Allies and the Kremlin Weigh In

European officials have expressed anxiety that the Trump administration might pressure Ukraine into peace terms that favor Moscow, leaving Kyiv with diminished territory and limited independence. Reports suggest US negotiators have made efforts to reassure European allies and have made some changes to the plan after hearing their concerns.

Meanwhile, Russia, through Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, has said any final deal must reflect the “spirit and letter” of the Alaska summit held earlier this year between Putin and Trump. Russian President Vladimir Putin described Trump’s framework as the “only substantive” peace plan presented so far, but stressed that “this text has not been discussed with us in detail.” Moscow continues to press for formal recognition of its territorial gains and limits on Ukrainian sovereignty and weaponry.​

What’s Next: Final Talks, Cautious Optimism, and Watchful Eyes

Ukrainian, US, and Russian negotiators are expected to meet several more times before any final document is signed. Progress is significant but still fragile—there are major hurdles, especially regarding territory and the depth of security assurances. Should President Zelenskyy visit Washington as expected, the personal summit with Trump will be crucial for hammering out a final accord that Kiev can sell to its citizens and parliament.

For millions of Ukrainians and Russians, the prospect of peace, even with a compromised outcome, represents hope after years of hardship and uncertainty. Yet there are also strong voices in Ukraine warning against any deal seen as capitulation. European capitals, too, will be watching closely, mindful of the wider security consequences for the continent if Russia is perceived as succeeding through force.

A Tentative Step Toward Peace

For the first time in years, real momentum exists toward ending Europe’s deadliest war in generations. The US-brokered proposal has been met with difficult compromises and concern, but also careful optimism. The coming days and talks will determine not only the fate of Ukraine, but also the credibility of America’s mediation and the resolve of Western security guarantees.

As the final document is shaped—and as Presidents Trump, Zelenskyy, and Putin prepare for defining meetings—the world waits to see whether war will finally give way to peace, or whether old divisions will once more hold sway.

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