10 Things to Know About Trump’s Peace Efforts With Russia.

1. Who is leading the new US negotiations? President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has been at the center of the administration’s talks with Moscow. According to sources, he is leading the effort to hammer out a deal. This diplomatic push has accelerated recently as the administration senses a "renewed openness" from the Kremlin to reach an agreement

 2. What is in the proposed peace deal? According to an Axios report, the current draft involves a 28-point plan being hashed out between Washington and Moscow. The framework focuses on security guarantees for both Ukraine and Europe. It also addresses the future of diplomatic relations between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine.

3. How Is Ukraine Involved in the Talks?

Ukrainian officials, including President Zelensky and Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, are meeting with U.S. delegations to discuss defense innovations and the next steps for peace. However, the extent to which Ukraine formally backs the new draft plan remains unclear. 

4. How Has Russia Responded So Far?

he response from Moscow is mixed. While sources confirmed "productive discussions" between Witkoff and Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev in October, the Kremlin officially downplayed the news. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated there are "no new developments" to report beyond previous discussions held in Anchorage, Alaska, in August. 

5. What is the US position on concessions? Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that ending such a deadly war requires "serious and realistic ideas" and likely "difficult concessions" from both sides. He confirmed via social media that the administration is developing a list of potential ideas based on input from both Kyiv and Moscow. 

6. What Role Are European Leaders Playing?

EU and European officials have emphasized that any peace plan requires their consultation and support. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Poland’s foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski stated that Europe’s security interests must be considered in any negotiations. 

7. Why have previous attempts failed? Earlier talks focused on freezing troops along current battle lines, a plan backed by Europe but rejected by the Kremlin, which wants a longer-term deal. President Trump recently imposed new sanctions, citing disappointment with Putin.

8. Why is Trump disappointed with Putin? Trump expressed disappointment that ending the war hasn't been easy despite his "good relationship" with Putin. Last month, Trump thought progress was sufficient to announce a Budapest summit with Putin, but the meeting was cancelled five days later when it became clear Putin's stance hadn't shifted. 

9. Why Is This Peace Effort Significant Now?

The effort represents a renewed attempt by the U.S. to influence the Ukraine conflict’s outcome and may shape European security and U.S.-Russia relations. Success or failure will impact future negotiations and the stability of the region.