US–Ukraine peace talks advance as revised 28-Point Plan Gains Focus

High-level talks between senior US and Ukrainian officials concluded in Florida on Sunday, with discussions centered on refining a revised 28-point peace framework to end the nearly four-year war with Russia. The meeting lasted about four hours and focused not only on achieving a ceasefire but also on securing Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and long-term stability.

Leading the US delegation were Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner. Rubio stressed that any agreement must go beyond simply halting hostilities. “It’s not just about the terms that end fighting,” he said. “It’s also about the terms that set up Ukraine for long-term prosperity and independence.”

The 28-point plan, originally drafted in earlier Washington-Moscow dialogues, faced criticism for appearing overly favorable to Russia. Early provisions reportedly included limiting Ukraine’s military strength, blocking NATO membership, mandating national elections in 100 days, and even conceding the Donbas region to Russia. Negotiators now say the framework has been significantly revised, but have offered no details on how the provisions were altered.

Ukraine was represented by Rustem Umerov, head of the country’s security council, who welcomed US involvement. “US is hearing us. US is supporting us. US is working beside us,” he said, reiterating that the shared objective is a “prosperous, strong Ukraine.” He offered no specifics on progress but noted full alignment on priorities.

The talks come at a sensitive moment for Kyiv, where President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration faces domestic unrest due to a $100 million corruption scandal in the energy sector. The investigation led to the resignation of Andrii Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff and former chief negotiator, just days after Rubio had met him in Geneva.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump is expected to send Witkoff and possibly Kushner to Moscow this week to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and discuss the evolving peace framework. Kremlin officials confirmed an expected meeting before Putin travels to India on Thursday.

Despite diplomatic efforts, violence continues on the ground. Over the weekend, Russian drone and missile strikes in and around Kyiv killed at least four people and injured dozens more, including children, when a drone hit a nine-story apartment building in Vyshhorod.

In his nightly address, Zelenskyy said both sides are showing “a constructive approach” and expressed cautious hope that the coming days could help “flesh out the steps to bring the war to a dignified end.”

The revised 28-point peace proposal is increasingly viewed as a potential roadmap though significant territorial, security, and political barriers remain.