Ukrainian and American delegations convened in South Florida on 30 November to advance negotiations aimed at ending Russia's war against Ukraine.
The talks, held at Shell Bay golf resort, focused on two core issues: territorial arrangements and security guarantees.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the US side alongside Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Ukraine's delegation was headed by RNBO Secretary Rustem Umerov.
Rubio told reporters the negotiations sought "an end to the war that leaves Ukraine sovereign and independent and with an opportunity for real prosperity" and ensures "there won't be such a war in the future."
Umerov thanked the Trump administration for its engagement. "The US is hearing us, US is supporting us, US is walking beside us," he said. On social media, he added: "I am in constant contact with the President of Ukraine. We have clear directives and priorities – protecting Ukrainian interests, substantive dialogue, and moving forward based on the groundwork achieved in Geneva."
Deputy Foreign Minister Serhii Kyslytsya offered a positive assessment on X: "It's been a good start of the ongoing meeting. Very engaging and so far constructive." He praised Rubio's leadership and noted he appreciated "the attitude of Jared Kushner, and how he lays out a vision." Kyslytsya did not comment on Witkoff's role.
The Florida meeting follows Geneva talks last week that both sides described as productive. The negotiations gained urgency after a leaked 28-point US peace proposal drew criticism for favoring Russia, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Witkoff and Kushner plan to travel to Moscow on 1 December to relay results to Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a senior US administration official.
Putin stated his position at a press conference on 27 November: "When Ukrainian troops leave the territories they hold, then the fighting will stop. If they don't, then we'll achieve that through military means."
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on X that "the American side is demonstrating a constructive approach, and in the coming days it is feasible to flesh out the steps to determine how to bring the war to a dignified end."
The talks come as Zelenskyy faces domestic political pressure following the resignation of his chief of staff Andriy Yermak amid a corruption scandal.
