U.S. and Russian finance ministers reportedly discussed a potential peace plan for Ukraine as the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, continued without a decisive military breakthrough, consistent negotiations or a ceasefire. The United States has been involved in mediation efforts, and the reported finance-ministerial contact could provide an additional channel for economic or diplomatic dialogue. Prediction markets priced a ceasefire by December 31, 2026, at 19.5% YES, up from 18%, while the probability of a peace deal before 2027 remained 10.5% YES. Tier 1 sources had not confirmed the reported discussion. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said U.S. President Donald Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were working to finalize dates for a Ukraine visit and had discussed battlefield conditions and strikes. Corruption allegations involving Zelenskiy's inner circle continued to draw scrutiny of U.S. financial and military aid.