"U.S.-Ukraine Peace Talks 'Productive,' Rubio: Still Need to Continue Efforts"

On Sunday, November 30, the U.S.-Ukraine peace talks held in Hallandale Beach, Florida, reported positive progress. Ukraine's chief negotiator Roustem Oumerov called the discussions on that day "productive and successful," and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said the meeting was "productive," but emphasized that "there is still work to be done." This contrasts with previous Ukrainian sources' statements that "the negotiations were not easy," indicating that after multiple rounds of detailed discussions, both sides have made significant breakthroughs on certain issues.

According to reports from AFP and Reuters, U.S. and Ukrainian representatives are engaged in intensive negotiations around Washington's proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Although earlier talks once stalled due to wording and territorial issues, the latest statements indicate a noticeable improvement in the atmosphere of today's talks.

Earlier Negotiations Were "Not Easy" - Wording and Territory Became Major Obstacles

Before the latest developments, a source close to the Ukrainian delegation said the progress of the talks was "not easy," and both sides were still seeking appropriate wording and solutions. The source said, "The discussion was constructive, and everyone hopes to achieve a specific outcome to lay the foundation for subsequent U.S.-Russia negotiations."

A senior source familiar with the content of the negotiations told AFP that the U.S. hoped to quickly reach an agreement on the final terms of the plan so that envoys could go to Moscow for consultations. The main difficulties were concentrated on the territorial issue: "The U.S. positions itself as a mediator, not a supporter of Ukraine, so finding expressions acceptable to both sides is extremely difficult."

Ten days ago, the U.S. submitted a 28-point peace framework to Ukraine and European partners. The plan was initially criticized as "too biased toward Moscow," and it has been revised several times, but Kyiv still fears it may force major concessions.

Rubio: Expects to Promote Overall Progress; Trump Team Accused of Pressuring Ukraine to Make Concessions

According to Reuters, this round of talks in Florida took place after two weeks of intensive negotiations. Before the meeting, Rubio had already expressed hope that this session would "promote overall progress," aiming to "open the way for Ukraine to maintain its sovereignty, independence, and prosperity."

President Trump claimed he could "end the war in one day" and repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the failure to reach an agreement quickly. His team has been accused of pressuring Ukraine to make significant concessions on territorial issues.

Oumerov Leads the Ukrainian Delegation; U.S. Side Includes Rubio, Witkoff, and Kushner

The talks officially began at 10:10 a.m. local time (15:10 GMT). The Ukrainian delegation was led by Roustem Oumerov, the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council. The U.S. delegation included Marco Rubio, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump's son-in-law and White House envoy Jared Kushner.

Oumerov stated that the focus of the Ukrainian side was to discuss Ukraine's security and post-war reconstruction with the U.S. He also posted on X platform that the mission of the delegation was to "protect Ukraine's interests" and promised to report back to President Zelenskyy after the meeting.

Ukrainian First Deputy Foreign Minister Kyslytsya posted in Miami, comparing the complexity of the negotiations to weather forecasts: "In a chaotic system, small variables can lead to significant results."

Background Tension: Eastern Front Intense, Kyiv Attacked - Zelenskyy Rejects "Bad Agreement"

The negotiations took place against a backdrop of high tension: Russian forces continued to advance in eastern Ukraine, while Ukraine was unstable domestically due to corruption investigations in the energy system. Kyiv was attacked by drones overnight from Saturday to Sunday, causing at least one death and 11 injuries.

Zelenskyy warned the country was experiencing "the most difficult moment since the war" but pledged not to accept a "bad agreement." He reiterated on Saturday that the U.S. "had a constructive attitude" and would clarify how to end the war "with dignity" in the coming days. Zelenskyy is expected to meet again with French President Macron in Paris on Monday.

Internal adjustments also occurred within the U.S.: Rubio will miss the upcoming NATO foreign ministers' meeting, raising concerns among allies; Witkoff is expected to go to Moscow later this week to continue mediation.

Source: rfi

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1850266575037452/

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