HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (AP) – U.S. and Ukrainian officials engaged in approximately four hours of discussions on Sunday, focused on determining a path towards resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. These talks come just before a U.S. envoy is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the session as productive, acknowledging that substantial work remains to establish a viable peace agreement.
Rubio emphasized that the discussions were not solely about ending the fighting but were also aimed at laying the groundwork for Ukraine's long-term prosperity. He stated, "It’s about also the terms that set up Ukraine for long-term prosperity," and affirmed that progress was made, although more effort is needed.
Steve Witkoff, a special envoy appointed by President Donald Trump, is expected to meet with Putin soon. Joining Rubio during the discussions were Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, and Witkoff, representing American interests at a crucial time when Ukraine is striving to repel continuous Russian aggression while managing a domestic corruption scandal.
During the dialogue, Trump indicated that he had received briefings from his representatives, mentioning Ukraine's challenges related to the corruption scandal, which he regarded as "not helpful." However, he expressed optimism about reaching a deal, acknowledging that the situation is complex.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's administration is facing turmoil linked to accusations of embezzlement involving $100 million in the energy sector, which puts additional pressure on his government. The ongoing negotiations are reportedly addressing revisions to a U.S.-drafted peace plan criticized for favoring Russian demands.
As the meeting commenced at the Shell Bay Club in Florida, Rubio reassured Ukraine of U.S. support. Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine's security council, conveyed his gratitude for the American assistance, noting that the U.S. is actively supporting Ukraine during this challenging period. However, he did not disclose any details regarding the outcomes of the discussions.
Rubio highlighted the comprehensive nature of the talks, stating that the focus extends beyond simply achieving peace to ensuring Ukraine's security and fostering an environment where the nation can thrive. He reiterated plans to establish a Ukraine Development Fund aimed at modernizing the country's industries, including technology and energy resources.
Moreover, Trump's draft peace proposal includes collaborating with Ukraine to rebuild and modernize its natural gas infrastructure, which has suffered significant damage due to ongoing Russian attacks. Rubio asserted the intention to ensure Ukraine’s safety so that it would never again experience an invasion, as well as to help them achieve a period of true prosperity.
In recent weeks, the Ukrainian delegation has seen changes, with Umerov stepping in as a primary negotiator following the announcement of Andrii Yermak's resignation amid an anti-corruption investigation. The previous plan, which discussed military restrictions and prevented Ukraine from joining NATO, is being reconsidered amid evolving diplomatic efforts.
Trump has indicated that plans are in place for Witkoff and possibly Kushner to visit Moscow to negotiate, as Russian officials confirmed that Putin would meet Witkoff before departing for India on Thursday. Both representatives, possessing backgrounds in real estate, prioritize pragmatic deal-making over traditional diplomatic processes.
Despite the peace discussions, violence persists in Ukraine, with Russian drone and missile strikes in Kyiv resulting in casualties over the weekend. Ukrainian authorities reported significant attacks, highlighting the ongoing urgency for diplomatic resolutions.
In a recent statement, Zelenskyy remarked that the American negotiators are adopting a constructive approach to the discussions, suggesting that progress could be made in the coming days to outline steps toward a dignified conclusion of the war.
As the conflict escalates, Ukrainian officials have urged for enhanced military support from the U.S. to fortify their defenses, further underscoring the critical nature of the ongoing negotiations and the need for comprehensive strategies to address both immediate security needs and long-term stability.
