Kyiv's Plea: War's Devastating Cost 💔📉

World News

Senior US military officials, led by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and including Chief of Staff of the Army Gen Randy George and top US army commander in Europe Gen Chris Donahue, are currently in Ukraine to explore pathways toward an end to the conflict with Russia. Their visit culminates in a scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday, where discussions will primarily focus on a potential peace framework. This framework, reportedly drafted by a team including President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev, suggests Ukraine cede control of areas in the Donbas region, significantly reduce its military size, and limit its weaponry – concessions Ukrainian President Zelensky has firmly rejected. The situation on the ground remains intensely tense, underscored by a recent Russian missile and drone attack that killed at least 26 people and left 22 missing in Ternopil, western Ukraine. President Zelensky was in Turkey at the time of the attack. This visit represents the most senior military group to visit Kyiv since President Trump took office. Alongside the exploration of a ceasefire, discussions will examine the details of the proposed peace plan. Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized that these talks will concentrate on the next steps for implementing agreements already reached between Presidents Zelensky and Trump, referencing the “spirit of Anchorage” – the August summit between Putin and Trump – which yielded no agreements. Despite calls for an immediate ceasefire from Kyiv and its Western allies, including the US, Moscow continues to reject them, maintaining that Ukraine’s demands essentially amount to surrendering control. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated Russia’s conditions for a peace deal – including ceding territory, limiting Ukraine’s military size, and establishing its neutrality – which haven’t shifted since Putin initially outlined them in 2024. Currently, Ukrainian forces are desperately trying to hold their ground as Russia intensifies its attacks, bracing for a long and difficult winter on the front lines of Europe’s confrontation with Russia’s efforts to circumvent sanctions. Additionally, a White House official confirmed to the BBC that special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, will be stepping down in January, citing a natural conclusion to his time in the role, requiring Senate approval beyond a 360-day period. Kellogg has been a key voice for Ukraine within the White House, particularly as President Trump has sometimes appeared to align more with Russia’s perspective in this ongoing conflict.