Vladimir Putin has reportedly approved a significant peace agreement that involves the US and Europe providing Ukraine with extensive new security assurances. Steve Witkoff, a key associate of former President Donald Trump, confirmed this unexpected development shortly after Trump highlighted “substantial progress on Russia.”
In a surprising turn of events, Russia is rumored to have made concessions on the five disputed regions it had unlawfully claimed – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Crimea. Diplomatic sources suggest that Putin might consider a territorial exchange to retain Donetsk and Luhansk in exchange for halting advancements in the southern area. This development follows Putin’s recent warning of a nuclear conflict after intensifying attacks on Ukraine.
Witkoff stated, “We have agreed on robust security guarantees that could be described as game-changing. The US might offer protection similar to Article 5 – a key reason Ukraine seeks NATO membership. We have addressed nearly all other critical issues required for a peace settlement.”
This breakthrough occurs ahead of crucial discussions in Washington between Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump, where Sir Keir Starmer and several European leaders will provide support. Starmer will stand alongside Zelensky at the White House, affirming Britain’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
Joining the Ukrainian leader are EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, and NATO leader Mark Rutte, as reported by the Sun. Sources indicate that Zelensky requested the presence of Europe’s top officials for “moral support and solidarity” before the meeting with Trump.
This meeting marks Zelensky’s first return to the Oval Office since a contentious encounter with Trump and JD Vance earlier this year, where he was unceremoniously removed from the White House. The pressure on Putin intensifies as he strives to regain influence following a peace summit with Trump in Alaska, while Russia and Ukraine continue drone strikes, highlighting the fragile nature of the path to peace.
Reports suggest that Putin’s agreement extends beyond Ukraine’s borders, with preliminary terms indicating Moscow’s commitment to refraining from attacks on other European nations. In return, Kyiv would pause its NATO membership aspirations, officially recognize Crimea as Russian territory, and consent to a land exchange involving Donetsk and Luhansk.
Western diplomats informed Reuters that the agreement includes gradual sanctions relief if Russia adheres to the ceasefire terms.