US & Ukraine Forge Peace Framework Amid Stalled Moscow Talks
Recent high-level discussions between US and Ukrainian negotiators in Florida have yielded "constructive discussions" and reported progress towards a potential framework for peace in Ukraine, even as previous talks with Russia in Moscow hit a deadlock. US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's national security council, convened for two days, with a third day planned, emphasizing Russia's need for "serious commitment to long-term peace" through de-escalation and cessation of hostilities. Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, also participated in these crucial talks.
Florida Progress vs. Moscow Deadlock
During these Florida talks, the Ukrainian delegation was briefed on earlier engagements between Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Despite almost five hours of discussions, the Kremlin reported "no compromise" on the initial US peace plan. While Putin expressed readiness for further meetings, Ukraine and its European allies question Moscow's sincerity in ending the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky seeks full transparency on the Moscow discussions and any new pretexts Russia might be using to prolong the war.
Key Sticking Points: Territory, Security, and NATO
Key points of contention continue to hinder a resolution. Negotiators in Florida "agreed on the framework of security arrangements" for a peace agreement and discussed "necessary deterrence capabilities to sustain a lasting peace." However, Russia's demands for territorial concessions, particularly concerning the Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk), remain a major hurdle. Russia currently controls about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. Putin recently warned Ukraine to withdraw fully from the region, threatening to "liberate these territories by force." Russia also claimed control of Pokrovsk in Donetsk, a claim Ukraine vehemently rejects.
Another critical issue is Ukraine's future security. Kyiv and its European partners advocate for Ukraine's NATO membership or robust security guarantees as a deterrent against future Russian aggression. Russia vehemently opposes Ukraine joining NATO. Similarly, President Trump has repeatedly signaled his disinterest in Ukraine's entry into the military alliance. The prospect of NATO membership was a "key question" raised in the Moscow talks, which Trump described as "reasonably good" but too early to assess their outcome, noting "it does take two to tango." The path to peace remains complex, fraught with significant disagreements, despite the stated progress on a framework.