In a crucial step towards peace, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that talks with Ukraine regarding a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war have been productive, yet stressed the necessity for further efforts to finalize a comprehensive agreement.
The discussions convened in Florida featured a delegation from Ukraine led by Rustem Umerov, the new chief negotiator, who recently replaced Andriy Yermak following an anti-corruption investigation that implicated Yermak.
Attendees included significant figures from the Trump administration, including envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who is set to visit Moscow for discussions next week.
These talks follow leaks of a controversial 28-point US peace proposal that raised eyebrows among Ukrainian and European leaders for allegedly displaying biases favoring Russia, which has been in conflict with Ukraine since its invasion in 2022.
Rubio emphasized that achieving peace goes beyond merely ending combat; it requires establishing conditions favorable for Ukraine's long-term viability. He assured Umerov and the delegation that the focus should be on ensuring Ukraine remains 'sovereign, independent, and prosperous.'
Umerov echoed these sentiments, noting that discussions are centered on the future and security of Ukraine, as well as recovering from past aggressions.
While both parties recognized that the talks were a step forward, the sensitive issue of territorial claims by Russia remains unresolved, adding complexity to the negotiations.
The meeting is part of an ongoing diplomatic push, with President Volodymyr Zelensky expected to meet French President Emmanuel Macron shortly, highlighting Ukraine's strategy to secure international support for its sovereignty amidst ongoing conflict.
