Ukraine peace talks progress became the central theme of a high-stakes diplomatic meeting in Florida, where United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio met senior Ukrainian officials to push forward negotiations aimed at ending the nearly four-year-old Russia-Ukraine war. While US officials described the discussions as “productive”, Rubio cautioned that significant challenges remain before any final deal can be reached.
The meeting, held in Hallandale Beach, brought together key figures including Ukraine’s newly appointed chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The dialogue is part of a rapidly accelerating diplomatic push following the leak of a controversial 28-point US peace proposal that shocked Kyiv and several European allies for appearing overly accommodating toward Moscow.
A New Negotiating Team and a New Tone
The Ukrainian delegation was led by Rustem Umerov, who stepped into the chief negotiator role after Andriy Yermak resigned following an anti-corruption raid. Umerov said the talks were focused on Ukraine’s long-term security, sovereignty, and prosperity — issues that Kyiv insists cannot be compromised in any agreement with Russia.
“We are discussing the future of Ukraine, the security of Ukraine, and ensuring no repetition of aggression,” Umerov said. “US is hearing us. US is supporting us. US is working beside us.”
Umerov later described the meeting as not only productive but successful, suggesting that Kyiv is cautiously optimistic about Washington’s involvement despite earlier concerns over the leaked plan.
Rubio: Deal Must Ensure Ukraine’s Long-Term Strength
Marco Rubio repeatedly stressed that any peace deal should not merely stop the fighting but must ensure Ukraine’s resilience and prosperity for decades.
“It’s not just about the terms that end fighting,” Rubio said. “It’s about the terms that set up Ukraine for long-term prosperity. We built on that today, but there’s more work to be done.”
Rubio emphasized that Washington’s objective is a sovereign, independent, and prosperous Ukraine — a message designed to reassure Kyiv after fears that the US might pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions.
Trump Signals Progress, Prepares Envoys for Moscow Trip
Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump told reporters that the peace discussions were “going along well” and expressed confidence that a deal to end the war may be possible.
Trump also confirmed that envoy Steve Witkoff — and possibly Jared Kushner — would travel to Moscow in the coming days for direct talks with President Vladimir Putin. The White House says the goal is to deliver a reworked peace proposal that Kyiv considers fairer than the original leaked version.
However, the prospect of Kushner and Witkoff meeting Putin has raised eyebrows among diplomats and analysts, who note the unusual involvement of non-traditional negotiators in a conflict of global importance.
Zelensky: Talks Must Defend Ukrainian Sovereignty
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeared cautiously supportive, stating that the talks were constructive and focused on ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and national interests.
“It is important that the talks have a constructive dynamic,” Zelensky said on social media. “I am grateful to the US and President Trump for their efforts.”
Zelensky also reaffirmed that Ukraine will not agree to peace terms that legitimize Russia’s seizure or annexation of Ukrainian land — one of the hardest unresolved issues.
Territory Remains the Key Obstacle
According to diplomats, the most contentious unresolved question is the status of Ukrainian territory currently controlled or annexed by Russia, including regions seized since the February 2022 invasion and areas taken during the earlier 2014 conflict.
A source close to the Ukrainian delegation told AFP that the talks were “not easy,” but stressed that both sides were “trying to be constructive and find a solution.”
Russia has previously demanded international recognition of its territorial claims — a position Ukraine and most Western democracies categorically reject.
Intense Diplomacy After a Controversial Leak
The rapid and intensive diplomacy of recent weeks began after a leaked US peace plan circulated publicly, igniting outrage in Kyiv and across Europe for appearing to tilt toward Russia’s demands. That leak forced Washington to clarify that the draft was not final and would undergo major revisions.
The Florida meeting marks the latest attempt to rebuild trust and move toward a version acceptable to Ukraine and its Western allies.
Ukraine Seeks Security Guarantees From the West
Beyond territorial questions, Ukraine is seeking guarantees that ensure:
- No future Russian invasion
- Long-term US and European military support
- Stability for reconstruction efforts
- Protection for millions of displaced Ukrainians
Since 2022, tens of thousands of soldiers have died, thousands of civilians have been killed, and more than seven million Ukrainians have been displaced as refugees across Europe.
International Attention Intensifies
Ukrainian President Zelensky is expected to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, where talks will continue alongside France’s ongoing military and diplomatic backing for Ukraine.
European governments, particularly in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, have been closely monitoring US-led negotiations, concerned that any compromise could embolden Russia or leave Ukraine vulnerable.
What Happens Next
The coming week will be critical. Steve Witkoff’s planned trip to Moscow will signal whether Russia is willing to engage seriously on a revised framework. Meanwhile, Rubio and senior US officials are preparing additional rounds of discussion with Kyiv.
For now, all parties agree on one thing: the road to peace is still long, but for the first time in many months, the negotiations appear to carry genuine momentum.
Ukraine, the United States, and European allies know that the stakes could not be higher — not just for the end of a war, but for the future of European security and global stability.
This report is based on information originally published by BBC News, with additional analysis and context provided by FFR News.
