Just last weekend (Dec 20-21, 2025), negotiators from Ukraine, the United States and Russia met in Florida for the latest round of peace talks on ending the four-year conflict in Ukraine. While everyone hailed the meetings as productive, major differences are still on the table.
Productive Vibes 🤝
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner joined forces with Ukraine's senior official Rustem Umerov, plus European representatives and Russia's envoy Kirill Dmitriev. According to Witkoff's social media posts, they focused on:
- Advancing a 20-point peace plan drafted by the U.S.,
- Setting up security guarantees—basically, written promises to protect Ukraine,
- Mapping out economic steps to rebuild once the guns fall silent,
- Establishing clear timelines and next steps.
Umerov stressed that Ukraine wants not just a ceasefire, but a dignified foundation for a stable future 🕊️
Sticking Points Remain 🔒
On the flip side, Russia hasn't budged on keeping the territories it seized, while Kyiv refuses to cede any ground. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said European and Ukrainian tweaks to the proposals haven't improved peace prospects yet. Dmitriev is back in Moscow to brief President Putin, and a final Russian stance is still being shaped.
What's Next? ⏳
Experts, including Su Xiaohui from the China Institute of International Studies, warn that real breakthroughs won't come overnight. Territorial control is a core issue, and U.S. and Russian goals differ: the U.S. wants quick wins, while Russia seeks a deeper settlement with the West. That means real peace might still be a long shot.
Still, the talks show that dialogue is alive—and for a generation glued to global news feeds on smartphones and social media, that's a reminder that diplomacy is far from dead. Stay tuned!
Reference(s):
Ukraine talks: Challenges persist despite 'productive' negotiations
cgtn.com
