The talks between the US and Ukraine delegations in Miami, Florida, on November 30, 2025, could be recorded as a confirmation of the deadlock, as the Kyiv side, with the encouragement of the Europeans and the War Party on both sides of the Atlantic, continuously raises unrealistic demands.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also acknowledged the difficult mission, stating that there is still a long way to go to end the war. The American side approached the issue with its characteristic realism, but the Ukrainians remained unyielding for purely political reasons, namely the survival of the corrupt Kyiv regime.
Russia, on its part, with the strategic composure it has demonstrated, appears determined to complete its objectives in Ukraine by military means. This is a true triumph of the strategy outlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Talks proved fruitless
The negotiations between the US and Ukraine delegations concluded, as announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 10:00 PM Greek time. The delegations met at the private Shell Bay Golf Course in Florida, where the American President's Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, represented the US, along with Rubio and the President's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The Ukrainian delegation was headed by the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov.
The two sides discussed the timing of elections in Ukraine, the possibility of territorial exchange between Russia and Ukraine, and other unresolved issues. After nearly two hours of discussions, the participants took a break before continuing the talks. The first phase of the meeting was assessed positively by Witkoff, however, sources from the Ukrainian delegation reported "clear pressure" from the US and noted that the negotiations were "difficult." Before the talks ended, Rubio apologized to the Ukrainian delegation.
Rubio: We have a long way to go
The latest round of negotiations between the US and Ukraine delegations in Florida had positive results, although a lot of work is still required to achieve the final outcome, Rubio said.
In statements to reporters during a live broadcast on Fox News, Rubio said, "There's a long way to go yet, but today we had a very productive and useful session. I believe additional progress was made."
The US government intends to continue discussions with Russia on the American plan for a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, as they believe they clearly understand Moscow's position on this issue, he continued. Earlier, Rubio mentioned that the US goal is not only to end the war but also to create a mechanism that will ensure Ukraine's independence and sovereignty, so that the country is never again in a state of war and ensures long-term prosperity for its population. Additionally, he stressed that achieving peace is not enough by itself to achieve these goals.
The Ukrainian delegation was led by Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC), who replaced the resigned Andriy Yermak. Participating on the US side were Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, and the American President's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
This meeting takes place at a critical juncture for Ukraine, with its political leadership under pressure and international negotiations unfolding in an environment of uncertainty and strategic calculations.
Umerov (Ukraine): There is still a lot of work to be done
The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov, described the meeting as "successful and productive," without revealing details of the discussions.
This meeting concerned the continuation of efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, and the material from the meeting with journalists was published on the Telegram channel of the Ukrainian newspaper Public. "There was a successful meeting in Geneva, and today this success continued," Umerov stated, referring to the talks between the US and Ukraine delegations in Geneva the previous week. "This meeting was productive and successful. In the next stages, I hope to keep you updated," Umerov limited himself to saying.
According to him, the critical issues for the future of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people were discussed during the talks. "We discussed the future of Ukraine, and all the issues that are important for Ukraine and its people," he reported. "There is still a lot of work that needs to be done – we are continuing consultations and agreeing on the next steps for the benefit of peace in Ukraine," Umerov noted via Telegram.
US to Ukraine: Cede territories and hold elections
According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the discussions are focused on two key issues: the possibility of holding elections in Ukraine and the territorial disputes that remain open since the start of the war.
One of the main issues is whether Ukraine can hold presidential elections amidst the ongoing conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently commented on the matter, stating that Ukraine's leadership has made a "strategic mistake" by avoiding elections due to the fear of losing legitimacy. His statement reflects a broader criticism of the political situation in Ukraine, emphasizing that elections would be an opportunity for Ukraine to reassert its sovereignty and legitimacy in the international arena.
However, the issue of holding elections in Ukraine is complicated. The most thorny issue of the discussions is expected to be the territorial problems plaguing Ukraine since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the subsequent conflict in eastern Ukraine. The government of Ukraine remains unyielding in the view that it must regain all its territories, including Crimea, which has been under Russian control for over a decade. Russia, for its part, has repeatedly stated that Crimea is undisputed Russian territory and that there will be no negotiations for its return to Ukraine.
The Financial Times reported that some of the most difficult points of the American peace plan for Ukraine—such as the territorial issue—are linked to negotiations between American President Donald Trump (who is expected to play a role in the talks) and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. The goal is to find a solution that balances Ukraine's territorial integrity with Russia's demands, while also ensuring a lasting peace in the region.
Another topic to be discussed in the talks is the provision of security guarantees for Ukraine. Due to the ongoing Russian military operation, Ukraine has repeatedly sought stronger security guarantees from Western powers, including the US and NATO. However, the issue of Ukraine's accession to NATO remains thorny. Russia views the expansion of NATO eastward as a direct threat to its national security, and this concern has played a critical role in its decision to invade Ukraine.
Ukrainians complained of unbearable pressure
According to the Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency, the two sides did not reach common compromise proposals. As a source from the Ukrainian delegation reported, the process is difficult, as the search for solutions and formulations continues. Despite the difficulties, the same source noted that the negotiations are "structured" and all participants wish to achieve a specific result, which will form the basis for further consultations between the US and Russia with the Putin-Witkoff meeting, possibly on December 2.
Mysterious statement by Zelensky to NATO: Many things will change rapidly in Ukraine in the coming days
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that in the coming days, "many things may change" during the ongoing conflict with Russia. This statement came after talks he had with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, during which he emphasized the importance of the days ahead and the possibility for significant developments.
As Zelensky reported via his Telegram channel, "I spoke with Mark Rutte and we will continue discussing in the coming days. The days are important, and many things may change. There will be extremely effective general events, common positions."
The Ukrainian President's statements demonstrate the importance of the forthcoming discussions and international cooperation in addressing the ongoing conflict. Earlier, Zelensky had stated that he is ready to meet with President Donald Trump only if the meeting takes place in the presence of European partners, a statement that reflects Ukraine's diplomatic concerns about the prospect of this meeting without the oversight of international observers.
US-Ukraine talks began
Earlier, around 5:00 PM, the Secretary of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), Rustem Umerov, announced the start of negotiations between the delegations of Ukraine and the US, via a post on his Telegram channel. Umerov emphasized that the main topic of discussion in the talks would be the steps towards achieving a "just peace," with an emphasis on protecting Ukraine's interests and promoting the process based on the conclusions of the Geneva Summit. He stated: "We are working for the real world of Ukraine."
However, the post announcing the start of the talks was subsequently deleted from Umerov's channel.
The removal of Yermak and the repercussions
The unexpected resignation of Andriy Yermak, the former head of President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, following a corruption scandal, has caused turmoil in the Ukrainian government. Yermak, who was Zelensky's closest associate and a key negotiator with Western powers and Russia, was until recently the person handling the critical diplomatic negotiations. His removal has already caused political upheaval and has paved the way for a new cycle of pressure from the US, which seeks to lead Ukraine to a more compromising position.
Yermak's resignation, according to analysts' assessments, allows the Americans to exert greater pressure on Zelensky, as his former associate was considered an "annoying factor" for shaping a strategic agreement with Russia. Yermak's exit from the game leaves Ukraine in a more vulnerable position, as the talks will take place under the shadow of corruption and with fewer political barriers in the way of the concessions demanded by Western allies.
The strategic contradictions
Zelensky and the Ukrainian government are in a difficult position. On the one hand, they wish to maintain their strategy for the restoration of territorial integrity and the prevention of any agreement that would constitute a compromise with Russia. On the other hand, the West—especially the US—is insistent in its demands for achieving an "honorable end" to the war, which may include the acceptance of a "neutral" or at least less hostile Ukraine toward Russia.
Zelensky, according to information from his circle, seems to be in a dilemma: his position is to pursue an "honorable" end to the conflict, but also to retain as many territorial gains and as much political independence for his country as possible. The negotiations on November 30 could be decisive for the future direction of the negotiations. However, the impact of Yermak's departure from the talks, according to many analysts, could bring about a more submissive stance from Kyiv, increasing the likelihood that a plan which might include concessions to Russia will be accepted.
Intense US pressure
The meeting in Miami with Trump's representatives is considered a pivotal point in the developments. Rustem Umerov, the head of the Ukrainian delegation, is a personality recognized for his ability to handle difficult situations, yet the pressure the delegation will face in America is expected to be great. Ukraine has already shown the desire to continue the talks based on the agreements reached in Geneva, but the US is clear: the solution must be "honorable" and ensure the country's viability, without fully yielding to Russia.
The American "blackmail" may include the acceptance of a "freeze" of the war or even the acceptance of a "neutral" status for Ukraine, in order to secure a peace agreement. This strategy, however, may cause reactions within Ukraine, both from the Zelensky government and from political opponents, but especially from Europe, which is engaged in intense war planning.
Witkoff's proposal to Ukraine with exemption from US tariffs
It is noteworthy that Steve Witkoff proposed that Ukraine request an exemption from US tariffs for 10 years, instead of procuring Tomahawk missiles for the front, as reported by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). According to the report, Witkoff explained to Ukraine that the tariff deferral would ease the country's economic burden, while the procurement of missiles would not solve the strategic problems the country faces. Essentially, the proposal prioritizes the stability of Ukraine's economy over military escalation.
The War School's finding - Zaluzhny blows up Zelensky's planning
Additional weight was placed on Zelensky's shoulders by Zaluzhny, who argues that Ukraine should seriously consider the idea of a peace agreement without the country's "complete victory." This position, which deviates from Kyiv's official line for a complete military defeat of Russia and the restoration of the annexed territories, has caused considerable discussion and reaction, both inside and outside Ukraine.
Zaluzhny's proposal is not an entirely innovative idea in the history of international conflicts. He pointed out in his statements that "the overwhelming majority of wars end either with a mutual defeat, or with a sense of victory on both sides."
This, according to him, is a realistic assessment of the nature of modern conflicts, where the factors shaping the end of a war are numerous and complex. The prevailing conditions in Ukraine today, with the immense losses and the numerous consequences for the country's society, economy, and military, render complete victory unattainable.
Zaluzhny's proposal, which emphasizes realism and the need for a practical compromise, contrasts with the tough stance adopted by the Zelensky government, which insists on the complete recapture of annexed territories and the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity as a prerequisite for any peace agreement. Zelensky has repeatedly stated that Ukraine cannot accept any kind of compromise with Russia that would involve territorial concessions, as this would signal a strategic defeat for his country and strengthen Russia's influence in the region.
The Ukrainians "will punt the ball"
The talk process is expected to be extremely difficult. The Americans and Western allies would not want to repeat the mistakes of the past, while Russia will try to exploit every weak point in the Ukrainian position. Some analysts, such as political scientist Malek Dudakov, estimate that Ukraine will try to delay the negotiations, hoping that they can achieve better terms, while simultaneously warning that such a delay could lead to fiercer pressure and tougher demands in the future.
On the other hand, the view of the former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valery Zaluzhny, who supports the necessity of an agreement to end the conflict without "complete victory," seems to be gaining ground in Kyiv's strategic planning as well. Zaluzhny, like many other analysts, considers that the end of wars is rarely absolute and usually involves some kind of compromise or mutually agreed upon termination.
The course of negotiations for the conflict in Ukraine is at a critical juncture. The expected meeting in America and the departure of Yermak create a new geopolitical landscape, with the West increasing pressure on Ukraine to adopt a more compromising position.
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