US-Ukrainian Discussions in Florida to Discuss Ending the War with Russia

SadaNews - Discussions have started between the Ukrainian delegation and American officials in Florida to discuss the American plan to end the war between Ukraine and Russia, amid escalating mutual attacks between the two countries that have been engaged in a fierce conflict for nearly four years.

The meeting began between the Ukrainian negotiators, led by the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, and the American Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, accompanied by special envoy Stephen Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump.

The head of the Ukrainian delegation stated that he has instructions from President Volodymyr Zelensky to protect Ukrainian interests and move forward based on the outcomes of Geneva, adding that the Florida talks center around security and the reconstruction of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian President had said that his country's delegation, which headed to the United States, would work precisely according to Kyiv's priorities, confirming that the coming days might witness the completion of steps that would determine "the way to end the war with dignity."

As for the American Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, he expressed that he expects the talks with the Ukrainian officials to result in "more progress" towards an agreement to end the Russian war in Ukraine.

Rubio added, "It's not just about peace agreements. It's about finding a way forward that maintains Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and prosperity, so we expect to make more progress today."

Meanwhile, Axios reported, quoting unnamed sources, that Witkoff and Kushner are expected to present a revised peace plan to Russian President Vladimir Putin next Tuesday.

Turkey and Europe on the Line

In parallel, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Putin is ready to accept a ceasefire in Ukraine and sign a comprehensive peace agreement "under certain conditions."

The Turkish minister indicated in his statements that the Ukrainian side has been informed of this matter and that Turkey is involved in some aspects of this process.

Fidan added that Moscow and Kyiv have become "more willing for peace" compared to the past, noting that both countries have recognized the extent of suffering and destruction that has afflicted both peoples, as well as their limitations.

In contrast, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaia Kallas, believes that Russia does not appear willing to negotiate peace.

Kallas emphasized the necessity to move to a stage that would force Russia to negotiate effectively. She described the peace plans currently being discussed as unfair to Kyiv and not deterrent to the Russians.

She stressed the need for a plan that prevents Russia from launching another attack instead of facilitating matters for them. She also warned that Southern Europe is at risk of a hybrid war being waged by Russia.

Field Escalation

On the ground, the Ukrainian authorities reported that Russian strikes on Kherson, Donetsk, and Zaporizhia resulted in at least 4 fatalities and injured others, amid an intensification of attacks using drones and artillery.

The Ukrainian Air Force announced the downing of more than 100 Russian drones that attacked several areas in the country last night.

The Ukrainian General Staff reported that fighting was particularly fierce on the Kostyantynivka and Lyman axes, where more than 270 clashes with Russian forces were recorded in one day, marking one of the highest rates of clashes between the two sides in months.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Navy broadcast a video documenting what it described as a joint operation with special forces targeting the Russian-controlled Saki Airport in Crimea.

The Ukrainian Navy stated that the strike targeted several military assets there, in addition to storage sites for attack drones. It confirmed that it also destroyed several Russian air defense systems.

For its part, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti announced that authorities imposed restrictions on 3 Russian airports.