Whether the peace plan will actually end the war remains to be seen. But the representatives of the US and Ukraine expressed optimism at their meeting. Following the talks in Florida, a meeting with Putin in Russia is scheduled.

Representatives of the US and Ukraine met in Florida for further talks on a possible end to Russia's war of aggression. At the start of the meeting, Rubio said that the ultimate goal is not just the end of the war."It is also about achieving an end to the war that secures sovereignty and independence for Ukraine, as well as the chance for genuine prosperity."

It was a good start in a warm atmosphere, wrote Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister, Serhiy Kyzlytsya, on the microblogging service X. The talks have been constructive so far. Kyzlytsya also praised Rubio's"great leadership."

Rustem Umyerov, head of the Security Council of Ukraine, thanked the US for its diplomatic efforts."The US is listening to us," said the former defense minister."The US is supporting us. The US is working alongside us."

Rubio draws a positive interim conclusion

After the meeting, Rubio gave a positive interim assessment. He described the discussions as"very productive." However, he told reporters that there was still work to be done to end Russia's war in Ukraine. Many uncertainties remained, he said, and Russia needed to be involved.

Talks will resume later this week when US negotiator Steve Witkoff travels to Moscow. They are already in contact with the Russian side and have a"fairly good understanding" of their views.

Sources: Negotiations “not easy”

Sources close to the Kyiv negotiating team said there were some complicated issues, AFP reported."The process is not easy, as the search for wording and solutions continues." However, all participants are"interested in a practical outcome" so that there is "a basis for further negotiations between the US and Russia."

Another official familiar with the negotiations said the US negotiators were "absolutely determined to have the final points agreed upon so they can travel to Moscow." Some of the wording was proving complicated,"particularly regarding territories." The US negotiators saw themselves "solely as mediators and not as a party supporting Ukraine," the official added. While the US representatives were exerting some pressure, everyone was trying"to be constructive and find a solution."

Meeting at an exclusive golf club

The US delegation included Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. They met with the Ukrainian envoys at the Shell Bay Club in Hallandale Beach, an exclusive golf club built by real estate developer Witkoff.

The previous Ukrainian chief negotiator, Andriy Yermak, did not travel to the USA as a result of his resignation as head of the presidential administration, which was triggered by a corruption scandal.

The aim of the meeting is to explore further details of a US-proposed plan to end the war in Ukraine before Witkoff and possibly Kushner travel to Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Wadephul"cautiously optimistic"

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul spoke of a crucial week."I am cautiously optimistic that there is now a real chance of a ceasefire and that negotiations on equal terms are possible," he said in the Report from Berlin. The main challenge now, Wadephul continued, is to get Russia to the negotiating table.

"The situation is such that Ukraine keeps saying it's ready to accept a ceasefire, that it's ready to negotiate, that details are being discussed with Ukraine." That's all well and good."But the one person missing is Vladimir Putin. He keeps shooting and bombing."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared in a video message on Saturday,"It is quite realistic to finalize the steps in the coming days to determine how the war can be brought to a dignified end." The necessary steps must be developed quickly and substantially.

Zelenskyy had a 28-point plan by US President Donald Trump, which critics had dubbed a Russian wish list, revised during negotiations in Geneva with European and American representatives. The discussions in the US are still focused on contentious points.

Further attacks on the Kyiv region

Meanwhile, Russia launched another massive attack on the region around the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, over the weekend. According to the local regional governor, one person was killed overnight, and numerous others were injured.

Six people were killed in Russian attacks on Kyiv and surrounding areas on Saturday night. Dozens more were injured, according to Ukrainian authorities.