Ukraine–US Talks Enter Day Three as Trump Envoys Report Progress, Await Russia’s Commitment to Peace

Talks between Ukraine and envoys of US President Donald Trump will enter a third day as both sides report early but cautious progress toward outlining a postwar security framework. The discussions come amid deep uncertainty over Russia’s willingness to engage meaningfully in long-term peace negotiations.

Trump advisers Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and negotiator Andriy Hnatov, said the Florida talks had “shown progress,” though they withheld specifics. A joint statement noted that any substantive breakthrough ultimately depends on Moscow.

“Real movement toward an agreement hinges on Russia’s readiness to commit to long-term peace, including de-escalation and stopping the killings,” the statement said, according to the Associated Press.

Security Guarantees, Reconstruction Top Agenda

The delegations discussed the long-term security guarantees Kyiv would require to deter future attacks, alongside reconstruction planning and potential US–Ukraine economic partnerships to rebuild areas devastated by nearly four years of war.

The talks follow a high-profile meeting earlier in the week in Moscow between Trump’s envoys and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Friday’s session took place at the Shell Bay Club in Florida, a luxury property owned by Witkoff.

Putin Signals Openness — But Maintains Pressure

Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov praised Kushner’s ability to “put a peace plan on paper,” while simultaneously warning that European demands for stronger security commitments for Ukraine were unacceptable to Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he expects clarity from the US delegation regarding its discussions in the Kremlin. Zelenskyy has accused Putin of prolonging the war while continuing offensive operations on the ground.

Europe Pushes for Ironclad Guarantees

European leaders insist that any settlement must include robust, enforceable security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent renewed Russian aggression. During a visit to Beijing, French President Emmanuel Macron said China appeared willing to support broader stabilisation efforts, stressing the need for Europe and the US to remain aligned.

Meanwhile, fighting continues unabated. A 12-year-old boy was killed in a Russian drone strike in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region. Kyiv responded with drone attacks on a Russian port and oil refinery in efforts to weaken Moscow’s logistics routes.

Russia claimed its air defences intercepted 85 Ukrainian drones across several regions, including Crimea, annexed illegally in 2014.