US and Ukrainian officials conclude talks, stating any real progress toward ending the war depends on Russia’s willingness to de-escalate and seek peace.
MIAMI: Ukrainian and US officials concluded a third consecutive day of talks on Saturday.
A US readout stated both sides agreed that “real progress toward any agreement depends on Russia’s readiness to show serious commitment to long-term peace.”
This includes steps toward de-escalation and a cessation of killings.
The talks involved US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov, and Andrii Hnatov, chief of staff for Kyiv’s armed forces.
Officials also agreed on a framework for security arrangements and discussed necessary deterrence capabilities.
Washington’s proposed plan involves Ukraine surrendering territory not won by Russia on the battlefield.
In return, Ukraine would receive security promises that fall short of its NATO membership aspirations.
The nature of these security guarantees remains unclear beyond an initial plan to base defensive aircraft in Poland.
The US proposal has undergone several drafts since emerging last month.
It faced initial criticism for being too soft on Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Witkoff and Kushner met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss the plan.
They left without a deal after Moscow rejected parts of the proposal.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov described the five-hour Moscow meeting as cordial and “genuinely friendly.”
He praised Kushner’s involvement as “very useful.”
Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak stated the diplomatic process occurs mostly behind the scenes.
“Ukraine seeks to end the war and is ready for talks,” Podolyak said on social media.
He added the US wants a pragmatic process and a quick end, expecting compromises from both sides.
US President Donald Trump said the envoys had a “reasonably good meeting” with Putin.
He insisted they had the “strong impression” Putin would like to end the war.
Trump’s stance on Ukraine has fluctuated since returning to office in January.
He recently sanctioned Russian oil firms after failed efforts to persuade Putin to end the conflict.
Putin, speaking during a visit to India, called the talks “complex.”
He stated he wanted to engage with Trump’s plan “rather than obstruct it.”
