US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently described talks with Ukraine regarding a potential resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as productive, but emphasized that additional efforts are necessary. The discussions took place in Florida, with a delegation from Ukraine led by Rustem Umerov, the newly appointed chief negotiator and national security council secretary. Also present were Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s envoy, and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law. Witkoff is scheduled to visit Moscow for discussions next week.
Umerov succeeded Andriy Yermak, who stepped down after an anti-corruption raid at his residence. This meeting is part of a series of diplomatic efforts following the leak of a 28-point US peace proposal that raised concerns among Ukraine and its European allies for favoring Russia, which began its invasion nearly four years ago. Rubio noted that a comprehensive peace deal must not only address the cessation of hostilities but also establish long-term growth and stability for Ukraine.
Umerov expressed that discussions focused on Ukraine’s future, security, preventing any repeat of aggression, and plans for reconstruction. He acknowledged US support, stating that “US is hearing us” and “working beside us.” He characterized the negotiations as both productive and successful. Meanwhile, Trump indicated that Witkoff and possibly Kushner would journey to Moscow to engage with President Vladimir Putin about the revised peace plan.
A crucial unresolved matter remains the status of Ukrainian territories that Russia has annexed or currently controls. A source close to the Ukrainian delegation remarked that the Florida discussions were challenging but that all involved were striving to reach a constructive solution. On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Since the start of the conflict, tens of thousands of military personnel and civilians have been casualties, with at least seven million people displaced as refugees. The war between Russia and Ukraine traces back to 2014, following the ousting of Ukraine’s pro-Russian president and Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd9z2e3exk9o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss