Trump Envoy Reports Significant Progress in Ukraine Peace Talks in Florida
MIAMI, Fla. — Talks aimed at forging a peace agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine have made notable strides during recent meetings in Florida, according to U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Over the course of several days, American, Ukrainian, and European officials engaged in what Witkoff described as “productive and constructive” discussions that could mark a turning point in efforts to resolve the war sparked by Russia’s invasion.
The Ukrainian delegation, which included Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, and Lieutenant General Andriy Hnatov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, met with American representatives such as Witkoff himself, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and White House staff member Josh Gruenbaum. European national security advisors also participated, underscoring the multinational nature of the talks.
Central to the negotiations were four key documents: the further development of a 20-point peace plan, alignment on a multilateral security guarantee framework, a U.S.-specific security guarantee framework for Ukraine, and an economic and prosperity plan designed to support Ukraine’s recovery. Witkoff emphasized that particular attention was paid to timelines and sequencing, indicating a methodical approach to the next steps.
“Ukraine remains fully committed to achieving a just and sustainable peace,” Witkoff said in a statement posted on the social media platform X. “Our shared priority is to stop the killing, ensure guaranteed security, and create conditions for Ukraine’s recovery, stability, and long-term prosperity. Peace must be not only a cessation of hostilities, but also a dignified foundation for a stable future.”
The envoy’s remarks come amid growing international attention on diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, which has caused widespread devastation since Russia’s full-scale invasion in early 2022. Finnish President Alexander Stubb recently echoed the sense of cautious optimism, telling the U.S. Department of State that negotiators are closer than ever to a peace deal, crediting U.S. diplomacy and sanctions on Russian oil for pressuring Moscow.
“We’re probably closer [to reaching a peace agreement] than we have been at any time of this war,” Stubb said during an interview on “The Sunday Briefing.”
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Russian President Vladimir Putin has referred to the U.S.-backed peace plan as a “starting point” but warned Ukraine to pull back or face “force,” signaling Moscow’s reluctance to make concessions. Experts caution that while diplomatic momentum is building, the final stages of negotiations are likely to be complex and fraught.
The involvement of high-level officials from multiple countries, including the United States and European partners, highlights the global stakes of the conflict and the shared interest in restoring stability. The U.S. has played a pivotal role throughout, providing military aid and sanctions aimed at curbing Russian aggression.
As the talks continue, the focus remains on securing a framework that guarantees Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, while laying the groundwork for economic recovery. The Department of Defense and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization have underscored the importance of coordinated security guarantees, which are central to the discussions.
Witkoff concluded by affirming the importance of sustained cooperation: “Ukraine highly values the leadership and support of the United States and the continued close coordination with its partners in the next stages of this important work.” The coming weeks will be critical as negotiators seek to translate dialogue into a durable peace agreement, ending one of the most devastating conflicts in recent European history.
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