Trump Sends Envoys to Putin, Ukrainian Officials as Ukraine Peace Plan Faces Criticism

US President Donald Trump announced that his proposed peace plan for ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has been significantly revised and “fine-tuned,” with special envoys scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leaders in the coming days. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump confirmed that envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Moscow, while US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll will meet Ukrainian officials to push negotiations forward.

The plan, unveiled last week, has sparked controversy for heavily favouring Russia, particularly its demand that Ukraine cede the entire eastern Donbas region. Analysts suggest that such a concession would take Russia years to secure militarily based on current combat progression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been actively engaging with US diplomats since the proposal was made public, while European leaders—concerned by the lack of consultation—are campaigning to adjust the terms.

Trump insisted that both sides stand to benefit, stating that momentum in the conflict is already shifting in Russia’s favour. “The way it’s going, the land might be taken by Russia anyway over the next couple of months,” he said. He added that once the negotiations progress further, he may personally meet Putin and Zelenskyy.

The war, now approaching its fourth year, has seen fresh Russian offensives increase pressure on Ukraine. With Europe anxious about rising regional threats and possible shifts in the NATO dynamic, the international response to Trump’s proposal continues to intensify.