Kyiv: A high-level delegation from the United States has reached Ukraine to begin a series of discussions aimed at assessing the situation on the ground and exploring pathways to end the war with Russia.
The US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is leading the team, and the group has been expected to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv following his return from Turkey.
Reports have surfaced indicating that the United States and Russia may have prepared a new peace plan proposing major concessions from Ukraine, although neither Washington nor Moscow has confirmed such proposals.
Earlier on November 19, officials in Ternopil said that at least 26 people have been killed in a Russian missile and drone strike on the western city. Russia has maintained its full-scale invasion of Ukraine since 2022. Army spokesman Col David Butler has said that Secretary Driscoll and the team have arrived in Kyiv to meet Ukrainian officials and discuss efforts to end the war.
Driscoll has been accompanied by the US Army’s chief of staff Gen Randy George, the top US commander in Europe Gen Chris Donahue, and Sgt Maj of the Army Michael Weimer. Driscoll and Gen George are the most senior US military representatives to visit Kyiv since President Donald Trump took office.
Images on November 19 have shown Driscoll greeting Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal. Shmyhal has said that the meeting has focused on the next steps in implementing defence agreements reached between President Zelensky and President Trump. Shmyhal has also thanked the United States for approving the sale of support equipment for the PATRIOT air-defence system valued at approximately $105 million (£80m).
A Ukrainian official has told that the talks will address the military situation on the ground and potential plans for a ceasefire. The official has said that both presidents have agreed to stop the conflict along existing lines of engagement and have discussed future security guarantees.
Several media outlets have reported that the United States and Russia have privately drafted proposals for ending the war. These proposals reportedly include the possibility of Ukraine giving up certain territories, reducing weapon stocks, and significantly cutting the size of its armed forces. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev have reportedly worked on the 28-point peace plan.
President Zelensky has repeatedly ruled out ceding territory to Russia. Ukrainian partners, including the United States, have urged an immediate ceasefire, while Moscow has rejected such calls and insisted on conditions that Kyiv has described as equivalent to capitulation.
Meanwhile, a White House official has confirmed that special envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg will step down in January. Kellogg has viewed this as a natural conclusion to his role, which requires Senate approval after 360 days.
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