Unpacking the emerging U.S.-led peace plan for Ukraine reveals three distinct components: a direct negotiation on territory, a multilateral framework for security guarantees, and a potential U.S. contribution of air support. This multi-layered approach aims to address the conflict’s complexity.
The first layer is the direct meeting between President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to Zelenskyy, the sole focus of this meeting will be the “question of territory.” This isolates the most difficult issue for a one-on-one discussion.
The second layer involves multilateral talks on security guarantees. Ukraine is working with its partners, including NATO military leaders, to develop a robust framework to ensure its long-term safety. This process is running parallel to the summit preparations.
The third layer is the specific U.S. contribution. President Trump has defined this by what it won’t be—ground troops—and what it could be: air support. The White House has confirmed that providing American airpower is an “option and a possibility,” adding a crucial detail to the security guarantee discussions.