Last week, President Trump initiated a significant step forward in the ongoing peace talks concerning Ukraine. This move came after Vice President Vance, in collaboration with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, presented a compelling case for a new 28-point peace plan that they believe could finally lead to a breakthrough, as reported by Axios. The importance of this development cannot be understated: the meeting at the White House on November 18—previously unreported—set the stage for talks in Geneva over the weekend, which have sparked renewed optimism within the administration about the possibility of ending the war.
During the Geneva discussions, U.S. and Ukrainian officials worked diligently to refine the original list of 28 conditions in the proposed peace plan, narrowing it down to 20 critical items. Notably, they reached a substantive agreement on 18 of these points. However, a senior administration official indicated that the remaining two points remain sensitive and have not been publicly discussed. These issues likely pertain to potential Ukrainian territorial concessions to the invading Russian forces, as well as necessary security guarantees for Ukraine aimed at deterring further Russian aggression.
In the strategy meeting held at the White House, President Trump suggested that U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, a close associate of Vance, should carry the proposal to Ukraine. Driscoll was already planning a visit to Kyiv to evaluate the Ukrainian military's capabilities and morale. According to sources, Driscoll's role was to provide an honest assessment of the situation by directly engaging with Ukrainian military officials, which is crucial in understanding their will to fight.
Beyond the momentous decision to launch this peace plan, the Oval Office meeting mirrored the ongoing strategy sessions that Trump's inner circle conducts almost daily via phone and weekly in person. Key figures in these discussions include Vance, Rubio, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and special envoy Steve Witkoff. Recently, businessman Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, has also joined this advisory group. Witkoff and Kushner were instrumental in drafting the initial 28-point plan, employing a similar framework that was used for the Gaza peace talks, as previously reported by Axios.
After Vance reviewed the document and conferred with Rubio, they convened the White House meeting to secure Trump's approval. This was not merely an administrative exercise; it was a step toward initiating a concrete process aimed at achieving a peace deal. As one source noted, “The only way we're going to get a deal here is if we begin to put down on paper what a starting point for a potential deal could look like.” The meeting was strategically scheduled amid other significant events involving Saudi Arabia's leader, Mohammed bin Salman.
It's essential to recognize the broader context: Russia instigated the war in Ukraine, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown a reluctance to negotiate in good faith. Reports suggest that Putin has gradually made territorial gains in Ukraine while systematically damaging the country's power infrastructure ahead of the harsh winter months. Despite suffering substantial losses—estimated at around 7,000 soldiers per week—Putin has not indicated any intention to cease the invasion.
Reactions to the peace proposal have been mixed. Ukrainian politicians, European officials, and critics of Trump within the U.S. have condemned the plan, arguing that it provides Russia with concessions that they have not rightfully earned. When Rubio traveled to Geneva to finalize the details of the plan, it ignited a wave of speculation and online discussion suggesting a rift between Vance and Rubio regarding Ukraine policy. In response, Rubio took to X to counter claims of discord, asserting, “These people don’t just get things wrong; they literally make things up.”
Administration officials maintain that the narrative of a divided approach is inaccurate. There is a concerted effort among Vance and Rubio, who have worked collaboratively throughout this process, reflecting their longstanding friendship and alliance from their time in the Senate. Their senior staff also share a close rapport, and both leaders have expressed no interest in competing against each other in the upcoming 2028 presidential race, with Rubio referring to Vance as the GOP's likely nominee.
As the situation unfolds, President Trump has yet to convince Putin to engage in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, advisers remain optimistic and focused on achieving a comprehensive peace deal to halt the ongoing violence. “Everyone's focused on getting a peace deal and stopping the killing,” stated a White House adviser. This renewed push for a peace plan marks a pivotal moment in the administration's efforts to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding Ukraine.