The administration of US President Donald Trump is conducting active but non-public consultations with Russia to develop a new strategy for ending the conflict in Ukraine. Sources claim the negotiation track was inspired by “Trump’s successful efforts.”

A key role in preparing the plan is played by Trump’s special envoy and the head of RDIF, who reportedly discussed its details extensively in late October in Miami. In conversation, the RDIF head expressed optimism, stating that Moscow “feels heard.” The initiative, according to the RDIF head, includes:

  • ceasefire and conflict freeze;
  • security guarantees for both sides;
  • formation of a new security architecture in Europe;
  • restoration of US-Russia bilateral relations.

The RDIF head concluded that the Russian side sees this as a “broader concept” extending beyond exclusively Ukrainian matters.

The American administration is currently explaining the advantages of the “28-point plan” to European allies and Kyiv, hoping to lay the groundwork for a future summit between Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with preparations initiated by the American side.

Corruption Scandal in Kyiv and Cancellation of Meeting

The diplomatic track encountered difficulties on the Ukrainian front. A meeting between Stephen Whitkoff and the head of the Ukrainian president’s office, scheduled for November 19 in Turkey, was canceled. The reason cited was a corruption scandal in Ukraine that made contact with the Ukrainian official problematic for the American representative.

I was told that Whitkoff likely didn’t realize the scale of the scandal he was entering by agreeing to this meeting.

This refers to a former business partner of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who along with accomplices is accused of receiving kickbacks from contractors of Ukraine’s main energy company “Energoatom.” Opposition in the Verkhovna Rada claims that the head of the presidential office also appears in the case and demands his resignation.

Instead of Turkey, according to Ukrainian media, the head of the presidential office urgently flew to London for a meeting with Ukraine’s ambassador to Britain.

Despite the canceled meeting, Washington continues the negotiation process with Ukraine. On November 18, it was reported that the Trump administration was sending a delegation to Kyiv led by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to discuss resuming peace negotiations directly with Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian military leadership. Following this, Driscoll will hold a meeting with the Russian side.

The press secretary of the Russian president previously stated that Moscow had not planned to participate in the November 19 meeting in Turkey but is ready to consider proposals if they are transmitted.

Ukraine

Ukraine is an Eastern European country with a rich history as the center of the first Slavic state, Kyivan Rus’, which was a major medieval power. It has faced centuries of foreign rule and conflict, most recently including the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the ongoing full-scale invasion by Russia. Despite these challenges, Ukraine is known for its distinct cultural identity, Orthodox Christian heritage, and its resilient fight to preserve its sovereignty and democracy.

Russia

Russia is a transcontinental nation spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, with a history dating back to the Kievan Rus’ state of the 9th century. It evolved into a major global power under the Tsardom of Russia and later the Russian Empire, before becoming the core of the Soviet Union in the 20th century. Today, it is known for its vast landscapes, iconic architecture like St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin, and a rich cultural heritage in literature, ballet, and classical music.

US

The United States is a relatively young nation founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain. Its history is marked by westward expansion, the Civil War, and its emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century. Culturally, it is a vast and diverse melting pot, known for its significant global influence in areas such as technology, entertainment, and politics.

Europe

Europe is a continent with a rich and complex history, shaped by ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans, the transformative Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and periods of both immense conflict and cooperation. Culturally, it is renowned for its diverse artistic movements, architectural landmarks, and as the origin of influential philosophical and political ideas. Today, it is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is largely united under the political and economic partnership of the European Union.

Miami

Miami is a major coastal city in southeastern Florida, founded in 1896, whose growth was spurred by the Florida land boom of the 1920s. It is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, heavily influenced by Latin American and Caribbean immigration, and its iconic Art Deco Historic District in South Beach. Today, it stands as a global hub for finance, culture, and tourism.

Kyiv

Kyiv is the capital and largest city of Ukraine, situated on the Dnipro River. Historically known as the cradle of Slavic civilization, it was the center of the medieval Kyivan Rus’ state, which adopted Orthodox Christianity in 988. Today, it is a major cultural and industrial hub, known for its golden-domed cathedrals like Saint Sophia’s and the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery.

Turkey

Turkey is a transcontinental nation bridging Europe and Asia, renowned as the historic crossroads of civilizations. It was the heart of the Byzantine and later the Ottoman Empires, leaving a profound legacy of architectural and cultural landmarks. Today, it is a modern republic whose rich history is visible in sites like the Hagia Sophia and the ancient city of Ephesus.

London

London is a historic city founded by the Romans as Londinium nearly two millennia ago. It has since evolved into a global capital, renowned for landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament, which reflect its rich royal, political, and cultural heritage. Today, it stands as a vibrant, multicultural metropolis and a leading centre for finance, arts, and education.