US and Ukraine conclude productive peace talks in Florida
The US-Ukraine peace talks regarding the conditions for a peace deal concluded on Sunday evening, November 30, in Florida. The discussions were deemed "very productive," but the path to a comprehensive agreement remains steep, according to official statements.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the Florida negotiations built upon the bilateral dialogue in Geneva and the developments of the past week. "We had another very productive session. However, much more work is needed to achieve peace," Rubio said.
The U.S. official emphasized that Russia's role must be "part of the equation" to resolve the most sensitive negotiating points. He confirmed that the Special Envoy of the U.S. President, Steve Witkoff, will depart for Moscow on December 1, as reported by DW.
Rubio clarified that the talks focused not just on the cessation of hostilities, but also on the long-term security architecture for Ukraine. "We want to help Ukraine ensure its security forever and, just as important, to begin a new era of real prosperity," the Secretary of State asserted.
Kyiv reports "significant progress"
The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, described the talks as "productive and successful." He informed President Volodymyr Zelensky of the "narrowing of positions with the American side."
"There is substantial progress in advancing a dignified peace and in narrowing our positions closer to those of the United States," Umerov wrote on Telegram. He reiterated that Kyiv's key objectives—security, sovereignty, and a lasting peace agreement—remain unchanged and are fully shared by Washington.
American media highlighted the intensity of the dialogue. CNN, citing an involved source, reported the negotiations were "tough, but very constructive," with parties tackling the "most sensitive issues" concerning the end of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
The Wall Street Journal noted that the core discussion themes included territorial issues and the prospect of organizing elections in Ukraine.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
