US and Ukraine Hold Talks on Peace Plan as Russia Issues Warnings
US and Ukrainian officials have conducted discussions in Florida regarding a plan to end the conflict in Ukraine. These negotiations are expected to continue for a third day.
Joint Statement and Objectives
Following two days of meetings, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine's National Security Council, issued a joint statement. They indicated that ending the conflict depends on Russia's willingness to implement "steps towards de-escalation and cessation of killing." Both parties urged Russia to demonstrate "serious commitment to long-term peace," emphasizing that a ceasefire and de-escalation are necessary to prevent renewed aggression. This marks the sixth round of discussions in a two-week period.
Previous Discussions in Moscow
The Ukrainian delegation in Florida was briefed on prior discussions held in Moscow. US Special Envoy Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for approximately five hours earlier in the week. The Kremlin subsequently reported that no compromise was reached concerning the draft US peace plan. The Kremlin also stated President Putin's readiness to continue meetings with American representatives as required.
Ukrainian Perspective
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky stated on Friday his intention to obtain comprehensive information regarding the Moscow talks and any reasons Putin might present for prolonging the conflict. Kyiv has advocated for revisions to the initial US peace plan. The plan has undergone modifications, though a current version has not been publicly released.
Points of Contention and Territorial Control
Significant disagreements persist between the parties, particularly concerning post-war security guarantees for Ukraine and territorial adjustments. Russia currently controls approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, including parts of the Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk).
Russian Stance
On Friday, President Putin, in an interview with India Today, issued a warning for Ukrainian troops to withdraw completely from the Donbas region this week. He stated that Russia would otherwise "liberate these territories by force." Prior to the US visit to the Kremlin, Putin was shown at a Russian command post, receiving briefings on alleged Russian advances, including the claimed capture of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region and surrounding settlements. Ukraine has denied these claims regarding Pokrovsk.
Security Concerns for Ukraine
Kyiv and its European allies suggest that either NATO membership for Ukraine or comprehensive security guarantees would serve as an effective deterrent against future Russian aggression. Russia has expressed strong opposition to Ukraine's NATO membership. Former US President Donald Trump has also indicated his disinclination to support Ukraine's entry into the military alliance. The Kremlin confirmed on Wednesday that the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO was a "key question" addressed during the Moscow talks. Trump described those discussions as "reasonably good" but noted it was premature to predict outcomes.