WASHINGTON – A U.S. envoy is preparing to travel to Russia following the disclosure of a recent phone call between former president Donald Trump and a Kremlin-linked official, according to multiple reports surfacing Tuesday. The visit aims to explore potential pathways for resolving the conflict in Ukraine, even as details of the proposed peace plan remain closely guarded and Kyiv expresses concerns over earlier drafts.
The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of a Trump-backed proposal for ending the war, which reportedly involved potential territorial concessions from Ukraine and limitations on its military size. While the current version of the plan remains undisclosed, and its acceptance by Russia is not guaranteed, the envoy’s trip signals a renewed effort to engage directly with Moscow - a strategy sharply contrasted with the Biden administration’s approach. U.S. officials familiar with the discussions have been tight-lipped about the specifics of the working draft, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing negotiations.
Former President Trump has publicly stated his belief that a deal is emerging that could benefit both Ukraine and Russia. “People are starting to realize it’s a good deal for both parties,” Trump said. “They’ve got to stop the war. They’re losing a lot of people.” When questioned about the possibility of Ukraine ceding land, Trump indicated a potential exchange of territory. “Well, they’re talking about going land both ways, trying to clean up a border,” he explained. “You can’t go through the middle of a house, you can’t go through the middle of a highway. So, they’re trying to work something.”
The planned envoy visit follows a leaked call between Trump and a representative of Vladimir Solovyov, a Russian television personality known for his staunch support of the Kremlin.Details of the conversation are limited, but its emergence has fueled speculation about the former president’s role in shaping potential peace negotiations.
Kyiv and its European allies previously raised alarms over an earlier version of the Trump-backed proposal, which would have required Ukraine to concede territory to Russia and cap the size of its military. The current situation underscores the complex and evolving dynamics of the conflict, as international actors seek a resolution while navigating the competing interests of all parties involved.