MIAMI – Diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine reached a critical junction this weekend as high-level negotiators from the United States, Russia, and Ukraine converged on Florida for a series of intensive, though separate, meetings. While all sides described the discussions as “constructive” or “moving quickly,” significant territorial and security gaps remain between Moscow’s “maximalist” demands and Kyiv’s insistence on sovereignty.
Parallel Diplomacy in Florida
The talks, led by President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and advisor Jared Kushner, represent the administration’s most aggressive push to date to broker a peace deal. Over the weekend, Witkoff met with Ukrainian and European representatives to align on a shared strategic approach focused on “stopping the killing” and ensuring long-term stability. Simultaneously, a Russian delegation led by Kirill Dmitriev held discussions in Miami with the same American mediators.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted on Sunday that diplomatic efforts are moving at a “fairly rapid pace,” highlighting his team’s close coordination with the American side. However, despite the flurry of activity, the Kremlin has denied that formal trilateral talks—where all three parties sit at the same table—are currently in preparation.
The 20-Point Framework: Key Provisions
At the heart of the Florida discussions is a refined 20-point peace plan (evolved from an earlier 28-point draft). This framework seeks a middle ground between immediate cessation of hostilities and long-term security.
| Category | Key Provisions |
| Territory | Recognition of Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk as de facto Russian. A “freeze” along current lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. |
| Security | “Article 5-like” US security guarantees for Ukraine; deployment of a European-led “multinational force” inside Ukraine for monitoring. |
| Military Limits | Ukraine to cap its military at 600,000–800,000 personnel. NATO agrees not to permanently station troops in Ukraine during peacetime. |
| Neutrality | Ukraine barred from NATO membership but permitted to join the European Union. |
| Economy | Use of $100B in frozen Russian assets for US-led reconstruction; 50/50 split of electricity from the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. |
Sticking Points and Security Guarantees
The primary hurdle remains the proposed territorial concessions. Current reports suggest the plan involves a potential freezing of the conflict along existing front lines, a prospect that President Zelenskyy and many Ukrainians strongly oppose. To offset this, the US has offered “platinum” security guarantees that would theoretically trigger a “decisive coordinated military response” if Russia reinvades.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed his commitment to “maximalist” war aims, including the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the four annexed regions. In contrast, the US and its European allies have been discussing “Article 5-like” security guarantees for Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression.
International Pressure and Battlefield Reality
The diplomatic surge coincides with a €90 billion aid package approved by European Union leaders to support Ukraine through 2027. This move signals Europe’s intent to maintain Ukraine’s resilience even as Washington pushes for a settlement.
On the ground, the situation remains dire. Russian forces continue to make incremental gains in the Donbas region. Senator Lindsey Graham noted Sunday that it remains unclear whether Putin will accept any deal that does not grant him total control, suggesting that if talks fail, the US may need to significantly increase pressure on Moscow.
Sources
- PBS News: Russia says U.S. peace plan talks for Ukraine ‘are proceeding constructively’
- The Guardian: Ukrainian and European officials had ‘productive’ talks on ending war, US envoy says
- CBS News: Here’s what’s in the Trump administration’s proposed 28-point Russia-Ukraine peace plan
- AP News: US officials say Washington has agreed to give Ukraine security guarantees
- CSIS: The Unfinished Plan for Peace in Ukraine: Provision by Provision
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