Pentagon Officials in Ukraine to Discuss War End

Published: 20 November 2025 Thursday . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Senior US military officials have arrived in Kyiv, Ukraine, for high-level talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky, focusing on efforts to end the ongoing war with Russia. The visit, led by US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, comes amid reports of a potential peace plan being developed by Washington and Moscow, although neither side has confirmed the details.

The Pentagon team, which includes Gen Randy George, the US Army’s chief of staff, top US Army Europe commander Gen Chris Donahue, and Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer, represents the most senior American military delegation to visit Kyiv since the beginning of President Donald Trump’s current administration. The officials arrived on Wednesday and are scheduled to meet with President Zelensky on Thursday following his return from Turkey.

The visit coincides with ongoing hostilities on the ground, as Ukraine continues to face attacks from Russian forces. Earlier on Wednesday, at least 26 people were reported killed in Ternopil, a city in western Ukraine, following missile and drone strikes. Russia’s full-scale invasion, launched in 2022, has caused immense destruction and a humanitarian crisis, making diplomatic and military discussions a priority for Kyiv and its allies.

According to Army spokesman Col David Butler, the delegation is on a fact-finding mission to engage with Ukrainian officials and discuss strategies to bring the conflict to an end. “Secretary Driscoll and team arrived this morning in Kyiv on behalf of the administration on a factfinding mission to meet Ukrainian officials and discuss efforts to end the war,” Butler said in a statement.

Driscoll and Gen George are among the most senior US military figures to engage directly with Ukrainian leaders, reflecting Washington’s continued involvement and strategic interest in the conflict. Images circulated on Wednesday showed Driscoll meeting Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal, who later posted on X that discussions had focused on implementing defence agreements previously reached between President Zelensky and President Trump.

Shmyhal also expressed gratitude to the United States for approving a support package for the PATRIOT air-defence system, valued at approximately $105 million (£80m), highlighting continued military cooperation between Kyiv and Washington.

While the Pentagon officials’ visit is described as diplomatic and fact-finding, media outlets, including Axios, the Financial Times, and Reuters, have reported on a possible new peace plan under discussion. Sources familiar with the matter claim the proposed plan contains major concessions from Ukraine, including territorial adjustments, reductions in armed forces, and restrictions on weaponry. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, and Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s envoy, are reported to have been involved in drafting the 28-point peace proposal.

The White House and the envoys involved have not publicly confirmed these reports, and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed the claims, referencing the so-called “spirit of Anchorage” from the August summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska. Peskov suggested that no new innovations or agreements had been reached at this stage, leaving details largely speculative.

Despite these discussions, President Zelensky has repeatedly ruled out making territorial concessions to Russia, maintaining a firm stance on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Western allies, including the US, have consistently called for an immediate ceasefire along the front line, a position rejected by Moscow, which continues to demand conditions Kyiv considers unacceptable. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated that Moscow’s preconditions for a peace deal, including ceding territory, curbing Ukraine’s military, and adopting a neutral stance, remain unchanged.

The timing of the US military delegation’s visit also coincides with political developments in Washington. White House officials confirmed that Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy to Ukraine, will leave his post in January. Kellogg, who has advocated strongly for Ukraine within the administration, reportedly decided to step down at the natural end of his term, which exceeds 360 days and requires Senate approval. His departure could shift the diplomatic landscape for ongoing US support in Ukraine.

Analysts suggest that the Pentagon team’s visit may serve multiple purposes: assessing the current military situation, reviewing Ukraine’s defensive needs, and exploring potential avenues for negotiation. The presence of senior military officials underscores the strategic importance the United States continues to place on Ukraine’s security, while also signaling readiness to engage in discussions on the war’s potential resolution.

Reports of the proposed peace plan have sparked controversy and debate. Sources indicate that the plan includes significant compromises from Ukraine, which could affect territorial control and military capabilities. Critics argue that any concessions could embolden Russia and undermine Ukrainian morale, while supporters contend that negotiations might prevent further civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction.

Meanwhile, attacks such as the one in Ternopil serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict’s severity and urgency. The Ukrainian military continues to defend key cities while simultaneously seeking diplomatic solutions. International observers highlight the delicate balance Kyiv must maintain between maintaining sovereignty and exploring avenues for peace.

The situation also raises broader questions about the role of the US and other Western powers in mediating the conflict. While Washington has provided substantial military and economic support to Kyiv, the extent to which the US can influence Russia’s actions remains uncertain. The Pentagon delegation’s meetings with Ukrainian leadership are likely aimed at reinforcing existing support commitments while exploring practical measures to reduce hostilities.

As the one-day visit progresses, officials are expected to focus on concrete outcomes, including potential ceasefire arrangements, further military aid, and frameworks for long-term peace negotiations. Details of any agreements reached, if any, have not been made public, and the international community awaits official statements from Kyiv and Washington.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to dominate global headlines, reflecting both the humanitarian crisis and the geopolitical implications for Europe and the wider world. With senior US military officials on the ground, discussions in Kyiv are seen as pivotal in determining the next phase of both the war and potential peace initiatives.