Florida: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described recent peace talks with Ukraine as “productive,” while emphasizing that there is still “more work to be done” to achieve a lasting resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The talks, held in Hallandale Beach north of Miami, involved a Ukrainian delegation led by National Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, who was appointed as Ukraine’s new chief negotiator following the resignation of Andriy Yermak amid an anti-corruption raid on his home.
Also present were former President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Moscow next week to hold discussions with Russian officials.
“These talks are not just about ending the fighting,” Rubio said. “They are also about the terms that set up Ukraine for long-term prosperity. We built on that today, but there’s more work to be done.” He stressed that the ultimate goal is to ensure Ukraine remains “sovereign, independent, and prosperous.”
Ukrainian Perspective
Umerov highlighted the central issues under discussion: “We are discussing the future of Ukraine, the security of Ukraine, prevention of further aggression, prosperity, and how to rebuild Ukraine. The US is hearing us, supporting us, and working beside us.” He later described the talks as “productive and successful,” while Rubio called them “very productive and useful.”
President Volodymyr Zelensky also commented on the progress, noting the importance of constructive dialogue and open discussion on all issues, with a clear focus on safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and national interests.
Next Steps
Trump confirmed that Witkoff, and possibly Kushner, will visit Moscow this week to meet President Vladimir Putin and discuss a revised peace plan. The leaked 28-point US plan released earlier sparked concern among Ukraine and European allies for appearing to favour Russia.
A key unresolved issue remains the status of Ukrainian territories currently annexed or controlled by Russia. A source close to the Ukrainian delegation described the talks as “not easy” but highlighted that all parties are striving to be constructive and find solutions.
Zelensky is scheduled to visit Paris on Monday for discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, a close ally in the ongoing conflict.
The Russia-Ukraine war, which began in February 2022, has already caused tens of thousands of military casualties, countless civilian deaths, and displaced at least seven million people. The conflict’s roots date back to 2014 when Ukraine’s pro-Russian president was ousted, prompting Russia to annex Crimea and support uprisings in eastern Ukraine.
