Trump administration pushes diplomacy as U.S. and Russia meet in Florida for Ukraine peace talks
The Florida talks highlight the Trump administration’s active diplomatic engagement in seeking an end to the Ukraine war. While Russia’s position remains firm and Ukraine rejects territorial concessions, Washington is attempting to create momentum by engaging all sides. The outcome remains uncertain, but continued dialogue signals a sustained effort to pursue a negotiated settlement.
Trump administration pushes diplomacy as U.S. and Russia meet in Florida for Ukraine peace talks
WASHINGTON, Dec 20 — Senior U.S. and Russian officials are set to meet in Florida on Saturday for renewed talks aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies diplomatic efforts to broker a deal between Moscow and Kyiv.
The meeting comes a day after U.S. negotiators held discussions with Ukrainian and European officials, part of a broader push to develop a peace framework for the conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Russia’s delegation will be led by Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy of President Vladimir Putin. He is expected to meet U.S. representatives including real estate executive-turned-diplomat Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio said he may also participate.
Previous discussions have taken place at Witkoff’s golf club in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials reported progress earlier this week on potential security guarantees for Ukraine, though it remains uncertain whether Moscow will accept the proposed terms.
A Russian source told Reuters that any direct meeting between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators has been ruled out for now.
U.S. intelligence assessments continue to warn that President Putin still intends to seize all of Ukraine, contradicting claims by some officials that Moscow is ready for peace.
Putin offered no concessions during his annual press conference in Moscow, reiterating demands first laid out in June 2024 — including Ukraine abandoning its NATO ambitions and withdrawing from four regions claimed by Russia.
Kyiv has rejected those demands, stating it will not surrender territory that Russian forces have failed to capture after nearly four years of fighting.
Ukraine’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov said U.S. and European teams agreed to continue coordinated efforts. He added that President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had been briefed on the talks.
Marco Rubio acknowledged progress but emphasized the limits of U.S. influence.
“In the end, it’s up to them to make a deal. We can’t force Ukraine or Russia,” Rubio said. “Our role is to find areas of overlap where agreement might be possible.”
