High-level discussions aimed at forging a path to end Russia's war in Ukraine took a significant step forward with a series of meetings in Florida, described by U.S. officials as productive. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated that American, Ukrainian, and European security advisers held "productive and constructive" talks as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Key Participants and Agenda of the Florida Meetings
The talks, which Witkoff detailed in a post on social media platform X, included notable figures from multiple sides of the conflict. The American delegation featured Jared Kushner, the son-in-law and senior adviser to President Donald Trump. Representing Ukraine was its top negotiator, Rustem Umerov, alongside other European security advisers.
The agenda was comprehensive, focusing on three core pillars. Negotiators worked on further developing an existing 20-point peace blueprint, a critical framework for ending hostilities. Discussions also centered on creating a U.S. security guarantee framework for Ukraine's future defense and an economic development plan to ensure the nation's long-term recovery and stability.
"Our shared priority is to stop the killing, ensure guaranteed security, and create conditions for Ukraine's recovery, stability, and long-term prosperity," Witkoff emphasized. He added that any peace must be "not only a cessation of hostilities, but also a dignified foundation for a stable future."
Ukrainian Stance and Diplomatic Progress
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the diplomatic activity, calling the talks constructive in his own social media post. He outlined Kyiv's goals as achieving a just peace, ending the war, and securing "at least" a diplomatic victory for Ukraine. "The diplomatic process is underway," Zelenskyy told reporters, noting his negotiation team was returning to Kyiv after having done "everything we could do for the first drafts."
Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism, stating, "In my opinion, the basic block of all documents is ready." However, he acknowledged remaining hurdles, noting "there are things we are not ready for, there are things the Russians are not ready for." He indicated that the next phase involves the U.S. holding direct talks with Russian negotiators, after which Kyiv expects to receive feedback.
This diplomatic push occurs as President Trump has been urging Ukraine to consider territorial and other concessions to Russia to halt the full-scale invasion that began in February 2022. In response, Zelenskyy and European leaders have sought to revise the terms of an initial proposal, co-written by the U.S. and Russia, to reach a deal more acceptable to Kyiv and to establish security guarantees against future Russian aggression.
Russian Position and Ongoing Challenges
Despite the diplomatic movements, significant obstacles remain, primarily from the Russian side. Zelenskyy cast doubt on the Kremlin's commitment to peace, pointing to continued military assaults, war crimes in border areas, and strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. "It is essential that the world does not remain silent about all of this," he stated.
The Russian response has been characteristically guarded. Yuri Ushakov, a top foreign policy aide to President Vladimir Putin, stated that Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev—who is holding separate talks with the U.S. team—would relay his findings. Moscow would then determine what proposals "can be accepted and what absolutely cannot."
Ushakov pointedly referred to the Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage, Alaska, in August 2025, as the baseline, suggesting many new proposals would be unacceptable. Putin himself recently stated he is willing to discuss ending the war but ruled out changes sought by Kyiv and Europe, claiming a deal was "practically agreed" upon in Alaska, where he reinforced his maximalist demands.
The Florida talks, held in late December 2025, represent a crucial, though fragile, node in a complex diplomatic web. With the U.S. positioned as a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow, the coming weeks are expected to reveal whether these constructive discussions can translate into a tangible framework for peace or if entrenched positions will prolong the conflict further.
