High-level American diplomats have engaged in intense negotiations with Ukrainian officials, discussing potential concessions to bring an end to Russia's protracted invasion, with a revised US-authored peace plan now being delivered to Moscow.
Marathon Florida Meetings Shape New Peace Proposal
Over the weekend, a pivotal four-hour meeting took place in Hallandale Beach, Florida, involving key US figures Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The location was chosen for its proximity to the residences of Witkoff, Kushner, and former President Trump. Their discussions with top Ukrainian negotiators focused on winding down the nearly four-year conflict.
The talks aimed to revise an initial 28-point plan, developed last month by the Kushner-Witkoff duo with Putin's negotiator Kirill Dmitriev, which was widely criticised as being too favourable to Russia. This earlier framework was subsequently adjusted in Geneva with input from Ukrainian officials, including President Zelenskyy's then-chief of staff, Andriy Yermak.
Land Swaps and Election Timelines: The Core Sticking Points
A senior US official revealed that the negotiations tackled two of the most contentious issues. Firstly, the potential for land swap deals between Russia and Ukraine was discussed, though the scope and international recognition of any new borders remain undetermined.
Secondly, and crucially, both sides examined a timeline for holding Ukrainian elections. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's term officially ended in 2024, but Ukrainian law prohibits elections during wartime. Finding a path to a legitimate electoral process is seen as vital for any lasting settlement.
Political Turmoil and Military Reality Cast Shadows
The negotiations proceed against a complex backdrop. The Zelenskyy administration is grappling with a corruption scandal that led to the resignation of chief negotiator Andriy Yermak after raids on his property, potentially weakening Kyiv's position.
On the ground, violence continues unabated. On Monday, a Russian missile strike on the city of Dnipro killed four and wounded 40, with 11 in critical condition. Simultaneously, the Kremlin condemned Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, including an oil terminal and tankers.
Despite the ongoing bloodshed, diplomatic channels are active. Following the Florida talks, Donald Trump stated there was a 'good chance' of a deal. Jared Kushner is flying to Moscow with Witkoff on Monday to present the demands directly, ahead of a scheduled meeting between Putin and Witkoff on Tuesday.
While all parties—including Zelenskyy, who met with French President Macron on Monday, and Putin—have signalled a willingness to negotiate, the path to peace remains fraught. Specific security guarantees for Ukraine and the final details of any territorial compromises are still to be resolved, leaving the outcome of this renewed diplomatic push uncertain.
