U.S., European and Ukrainian Officials Seek Alignment in Florida Talks to End Ukraine War

By Blessing Nweke

Talks held over the past three days in Florida between U.S., European and Ukrainian officials focused on aligning positions as part of efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said Sunday, describing the discussions as productive. The meetings came alongside separate talks with Russian negotiators as Washington presses both sides to reach an agreement.

U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Moscow and Kyiv to end the nearly four-year-old conflict. Russia, however, insists on retaining Ukrainian territories it has seized, while Ukraine has repeatedly rejected any deal that would cede its land.

After meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, on Saturday, Witkoff and Trump adviser Jared Kushner met Sunday with Ukrainian and European officials, followed by separate discussions with a Ukrainian delegation led by senior official Rustem Umerov. Witkoff said the talks centered on developing a shared strategic approach among Ukraine, the United States and Europe.

In social media posts, Witkoff said both the multilateral talks and his discussions with Dmitriev were “productive and constructive.” He quoted Russia as saying it remains committed to achieving peace and values U.S. efforts to resolve the conflict and restore global security.

Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said Ukrainian and European input had not improved prospects for peace, but Dmitriev would brief Putin upon returning to Moscow. The meetings in Miami are part of negotiations around a U.S.-drafted 20-point plan to end the war.

Witkoff said talks with Ukraine focused on security guarantees, timelines, sequencing of next steps, and rebuilding Ukraine’s economy. While progress has been reported on security guarantees, it remains unclear whether Moscow will accept the terms.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham warned Sunday that if Russia rejects the proposal, Washington should consider seizing ships carrying sanctioned Russian oil and labeling Russia a state sponsor of terrorism.