Final peace deal text still unresolved, but key progress made - Source
Photo: US and Ukrainian delegations at talks in Florida (t.me/umerov_rustem)
During yesterday’s negotiations between the Ukrainian and US delegations in Florida, the draft peace agreement was not finalized.
According to a knowledgeable source who spoke with RBC-Ukraine, discussions focused heavily on territorial issues, and the topic of Ukraine’s potential NATO membership was also raised.
"The negotiations are now focused less on the framework agreed in Geneva and more on the problematic issues that remain. We cannot yet speak of a full understanding of the final text, but this was another step forward," the source said.
According to the source, the US side recognises that its central task is not to pressure Ukraine but to keep in mind that any agreement must also be accepted by Russia.
"They understand that there is a second party, and whatever common ground they reach with Ukraine, there remains the russian side they still have to work with. And they understand that it is more difficult there," the source noted.
Territorial issues dominate
A significant part of the discussion centred on territorial questions. Acting as mediators, US officials conveyed Moscow’s demand that Ukrainian forces fully withdraw from Donbas.
Ukraine, however, explained why such a position is impossible - pointing to constitutional limits, public opinion, and the reality on the ground. Kyiv’s stance remains unchanged: any territorial discussion must begin from the current line of contact.
"The search for potential solutions continues, but it is, of course, a very difficult issue," the source added.
NATO membership also raised
Ukraine also outlined its position on NATO membership. The delegation pointed out that the course toward the alliance is enshrined in the constitution, and changing it solely to conclude a peace agreement would set a dangerous precedent. Another argument: no country can be granted a veto over nato enlargement.
"The Americans are ready to hear our arguments. But they constantly say: You may be 100 per cent right, but there is another side that demands this and that. As mediators, they have to bring both sides to a peace agreement. You can explain your position logically, but if the other side says ‘no’, then what do we do?" the source said.
Background
Weeks earlier, the US presented a new peace proposal consisting of 28 points, many of which strongly favoured Russia. After trilateral talks in Geneva on 23 November, the document was revised and reduced, but work continues.
The latest meeting took place on 30 November in Florida. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said progress had been made despite the complexity of the discussions. Ukraine’s delegation, led by national security council secretary Rustem Umerov, reported "significant progress" to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who confirmed that further work will follow.
Meanwhile, media reports that Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow today to continue talks with the Russian side.
