US and Europe Draft Ukraine Peace Framework With Russia Terms

The United States and European countries are developing a Ukraine peace framework that would freeze fighting along the current frontline, add security guarantees and create reconstruction plans, according to reports from The Washington Post and NBC News. The proposal is being shaped by US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff with European partners.

The framework would expand beyond a ceasefire by combining security and economic measures for Ukraine and Russia. The Washington Post reported that occupied areas currently held by Russia, including parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, would remain under Russian control during continued negotiations.

US officials and Ukrainian representatives have been discussing a new diplomatic effort amid continued attacks. NBC News reported that Ukrainian officials traveled for talks involving Rustem Umerov, head of the country’s Foreign Intelligence Service, and Kyrylo Budanov, who heads the office of the president.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described increased engagement from Washington during recent discussions.

"We see on the part of the United States of America, an intensification of talks and meetings. I myself have spoken with the American side three times in recent days, and I hope for a good result from our negotiators’ meeting," Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy has opposed giving up territory, arguing that Russia could use captured areas as a base for future attacks. NBC News reported that Russia currently occupies about one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory.

The security section of the proposal would require the US and European countries to respond militarily if Russia attacked Ukraine again. A US official described the planned commitment as effectively comparable to NATO’s Article 5 collective defense guarantee.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said prolonged deadlock could create wider risks and argued that the conflict requires a negotiated outcome.

"Very dangerous," Rubio said, describing stalemates in conflicts that do not move toward settlement or escalation.

Rubio also discussed possible regional consequences if the conflict expands beyond Ukraine.

"Could wind up being a sabotage campaign in neighboring countries that are members of NATO," Rubio said.

The secretary of state said Washington believes diplomacy remains necessary despite limited current progress.

"In the end, we do not believe that there is a military solution to this conflict, to this war. We think this war needs to end in a negotiated settlement. The sooner, the better," Rubio said.

The reconstruction element would involve financial planning for damaged areas, support for affected families and economic recovery. The Washington Post reported that the World Bank and BlackRock are involved in efforts to create a financing structure.

The proposal also includes discussions about energy cooperation. One option would involve Russian oil and gas moving through pipelines to Europe, with possible revenue arrangements involving Ukraine and Russia, alongside conditions and a timetable for easing sanctions on Moscow.

The Kremlin has rejected a temporary ceasefire proposal from Zelenskyy, according to earlier statements from spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Russia’s explanation for the invasion has included claims about removing what it called "Nazi ideology" from Ukraine, a description NBC News identified as a Kremlin propaganda line.

Separately, ua.news reported that planned travel by Witkoff and Kushner to Moscow was postponed indefinitely amid tensions between Washington and Kyiv over energy-related issues.

An unnamed US official was quoted as saying Trump was "so angry at Ukraine" that it was difficult to predict his next steps. The same report said the trip could proceed after Zelenskyy "repairs his relationship with Trump."