According to Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, a potential peace deal could involve partitioning Ukraine, similar to the division of Berlin after World War II. He proposed that British and French troops could establish zones of control in western Ukraine, forming a "reassurance force."

General Kellogg suggested that Russian forces would remain in the occupied eastern regions, with Ukrainian forces and a demilitarized zone separating the two. He stated that the Anglo-French-led force west of the Dnipro River would not be perceived as provocative by the Kremlin.

Previously excluded from peace talks due to Russian concerns about his close ties to Kyiv, General Kellogg now believes Ukraine is large enough to accommodate multiple armies enforcing a ceasefire. He emphasized that the United States would not contribute ground forces to this arrangement. An 18-mile demilitarized zone could be established along the existing lines of control in the east.

However, Moscow has consistently rejected the idea of peacekeeping troops from any NATO country in Ukraine. General Kellogg's proposal would likely require Ukraine to relinquish its eastern territories currently under Russian control, although the extent of any further territorial concessions east of the river remained unclear.

Amidst accusations of Russia delaying ceasefire negotiations, the White House affirmed that Trump would leverage his influence over Russia to secure a peace deal. A spokesperson stated their belief in having leverage and their determination to achieve a peace agreement.

The Institute for the Study of War suggested that Russia was using bilateral talks with the United States to stall negotiations. Meanwhile, Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, held extensive discussions with President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg regarding a peace deal. The Kremlin confirmed the meeting, focusing on aspects of a Ukrainian settlement.

Prior to the talks, Trump urged Putin to make progress on a ceasefire, citing the tragic loss of life in the ongoing conflict. The White House confirmed that Witkoff was discussing efforts to end the war with Putin and other officials, viewing it as a step towards a ceasefire and a final peace agreement.