Following high-level discussions between U.S. officials and the Ukrainian delegation in Florida, the next step is expected to involve Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the outcomes of the talks to be presented in Moscow, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to Reuters.
Steve Witkoff, special envoy for U.S. President Donald Trump, is scheduled to travel to Moscow on Monday to deliver a proposed peace plan to President Putin. This visit comes immediately after Witkoff participated in meetings with senior Ukrainian officials in Florida, aimed at developing a deal that could be acceptable to both Ukraine and Russia. The Kremlin confirmed that the Witkoff-Putin meeting is set for Tuesday.
“The president will hold several private meetings today in preparation for U.S.-Russia contacts,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in Moscow.
Analysts note that expectations for immediate agreement from Putin are low. The Russian leader has reiterated his refusal to compromise, emphasizing Ukraine’s withdrawal from territories claimed by Russia and describing negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “pointless.” Russian statements suggest confidence in ongoing battlefield developments and a willingness to wait for Kyiv to meet Moscow’s conditions.
Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy is expected in Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on the ongoing U.S.-led negotiations. Both Ukraine and European officials appear to signal a unified stance as the U.S.-Russia dialogue draws attention.
“It will be a highly substantive day,” Zelenskyy commented on Monday. “Diplomacy, defense, energy — priorities are clearly set.”
During the Florida discussions, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner met with Ukrainian representatives at Hallandale Beach. Zelenskyy later reported that his emissaries had briefed him on the “main parameters” and preliminary results of the meeting, though full details remain pending.
Secretary Rubio described the next phase of negotiations as “delicate,” noting the complexity and involvement of multiple parties, including Russia. “We have a pretty good understanding of their views as well,” Rubio said.
U.S. and Ukrainian officials described the roughly two-hour session at Shell Bay Golf Course as productive, although no public agreements were announced and no breakthrough was reported on the most contentious issues. Discussions focused on a revised 19-point peace plan, developed after prior negotiations in Geneva. The updated plan reworked an earlier 28-point proposal by the Trump administration, which had drawn criticism for favoring Russia.
Sources familiar with the talks indicated the discussions addressed Ukraine’s security guarantees, the status of billions in Russian assets frozen by Western nations, and potential elections in Ukraine. The frozen assets remain a key priority for Russian officials.
On the core issue of Russia’s demand that Ukraine cede control over parts of the Donbas region, there was no progress. Russia remains unwilling to consider a ceasefire, while Ukraine refuses to relinquish territory.
Rubio described the Florida talks as “productive and useful,” emphasizing that the goal extends beyond ending the conflict to securing Ukraine’s long-term future. Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s National Security Secretary and lead negotiator, confirmed that the talks built on prior successes in Geneva and indicated that further negotiation stages are planned.
Initial assessments from Zelenskyy’s team suggest the Florida discussions were “very constructive,” though he acknowledged that challenging issues still need resolution.
Earlier we wrote that Hegseth defends US strikes after report that boat survivors were killed on his orders.
