A significant diplomatic initiative is underway as Ukraine begins peace talks with the United States in Florida. The primary objective is to map out a path towards a “dignified end” to the protracted war with Russia. The Ukrainian delegation, tasked with working through “clear Ukrainian priorities,” engaged in discussions with key US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Presidential advisor Jaresh Kushner’s presence further signaled the importance of these high-level negotiations.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced hope for a positive outcome, attributing this to the “constructive approach” of the US. He shared on X that the dialogue, building on “Geneva points,” is set to progress, with expectations of concrete steps being defined in the near future to bring the war to a “dignified end.”
Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, is leading the Ukrainian team. Zelenskyy stressed that the delegation’s mission is to swiftly and effectively determine the necessary actions for peace.
These talks occur amidst continued hostilities, with Zelenskyy reporting a significant number of Russian missile and drone strikes. Separately, Russian President Vladimir Putin had acknowledged the US peace proposal as a potential basis for future accords, but reiterated his demand for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from Russian-occupied areas.