THE GLOBAL TIMES — INTERNATIONAL DESK
Ukrainian Delegation Meets U.S. Officials in Florida for New Round of Talks on Trump-Backed Peace Framework
A Ukrainian delegation arrived in Florida on Saturday for a fresh round of high-level negotiations with senior U.S. officials over a controversial, Washington-backed proposal aimed at ending the ongoing war with Russia. The talks — held under strict security in Miami — brought together Ukrainian representatives, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff.
The meeting marks the second major round of diplomatic engagement in just one week, following earlier discussions in Geneva where both sides identified significant areas requiring revision in the original U.S.-drafted blueprint.
Ahead of the talks, Secretary Rubio emphasized that the objective remained unchanged.
“The goal is to create a pathway forward that leaves Ukraine sovereign, independent, and prosperous,” Rubio told reporters, framing the negotiations as part of an urgent, longer-term strategy to stabilize Eastern Europe.
A NEW FACE FOR UKRAINE’S NEGOTIATING TEAM
The Ukrainian delegation is led by Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council. His appointment came abruptly after the resignation of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s powerful chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, who stepped down on Friday following a corruption scandal that shook Kyiv’s political establishment.
Umerov opened the meeting by outlining Ukraine’s priorities:
“This process is about Ukraine’s security, ensuring no repetition of aggression, the prosperity of our people, and charting a realistic path toward rebuilding,” he said.
A senior Ukrainian official traveling with the delegation described the mood as “wary but committed,” adding that Ukraine views the talks as an opportunity to secure stronger international guarantees — but remains deeply cautious of concessions embedded in earlier U.S. drafts.
KUSHNER JOINS THE NEGOTIATIONS
In a surprise addition to the diplomatic lineup, Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former senior adviser, joined the Miami session in an informal role.
According to several sources, Kushner was invited by Trump to serve as an auxiliary facilitator due to his past involvement in Middle East negotiations. While he does not hold an official government post in this fictional scenario, he is expected to assist in “bridging communication gaps,” a senior Trump administration official said.
Ukrainian officials reacted diplomatically to Kushner’s presence, though privately expressed confusion about his mandate. One Kyiv aide said, “We are grateful for any support, but the structure of this negotiating team is unusual.”
THE PLAN — AND ITS CONTROVERSY
The centerpiece of the discussions is a U.S.-supported proposal originally drafted by envoy Steve Witkoff in collaboration with Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund and a Kremlin-linked special envoy.
The 28-point plan was widely criticized by European governments as overly favorable to Moscow, especially provisions concerning territorial control, sanctions relief, and the future of Russian troop deployments.
Following international backlash, U.S. officials agreed to revise key passages. Substantial changes were made during the Geneva talks last weekend, though diplomats familiar with the negotiations say the overall framework remains contentious.
UKRAINE’S RED LINES
Ukraine has been clear that it seeks:
Firm international security guarantees
A durable ceasefire based on existing frontlines
A prohibition on future Russian aggression
No recognition of additional territorial losses
Officials reiterated that Kyiv will not cede any territory not already controlled by Russian forces.
“Any attempt to force Ukraine to abandon its sovereign land will fail,” a senior Ukrainian negotiator said.
MOSCOW’S POSITION REMAINS UNYIELDING
Recent statements from Russia’s President Vladimir Putin suggest little willingness to compromise. Putin insisted the war would only end “once Ukrainian troops withdraw from the territories they occupy,” a formulation Kyiv rejects outright.
Western diplomats privately fear that Moscow interprets the U.S.-drafted plan — even in revised form — as evidence of waning Western resolve, potentially strengthening Russia’s bargaining position.
EUROPE GROWS NERVOUS
European Union leaders have expressed unease about Washington’s direction in the talks. Several governments — including Poland, Germany, and the Baltic states — warned that any agreement must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty unequivocally.
One EU diplomat described the original U.S. proposal as “a starting point that requires additional work — substantial work.”
European officials are expected to hold parallel consultations next week as the Miami discussions continue.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
The Miami session is expected to last several days, though insiders caution that progress may be slow given both the complexity of the issues and the political turbulence surrounding the delegations.
U.S. officials hinted that a joint statement may be released if “tangible progress” is achieved, though no timeline has been confirmed.
For now, the world watches closely as Ukraine seeks a pathway to peace that upholds its sovereignty — and the United States attempts to shape an agreement capable of ending the war without rewarding aggression.