The US and Ukraine are holding a second round of talks in a new format, seeking to agree on fundamental issues of future peace. Kyiv is simultaneously demonstrating unity with its allies by synchronizing sanctions pressure and preparing for intensive contacts in Europe. At this moment, the US is giving contradictory signals: on the one hand, statements of support for Ukraine, on the other, the possible absence of the US Secretary of State at an important NATO meeting.
Ukrainian delegation begins negotiations in the US - Umerov
The Ukrainian delegation has arrived in the US for a new round of negotiations on steps to achieve a just and sustainable peace, said Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov.
According to him, the work is being carried out according to clear directives of the President of Ukraine, which provide for the protection of the state's interests and substantive dialogue based on the results of the meetings in Geneva. The delegation includes heads of intelligence, the Armed Forces and diplomatic structures, which demonstrates the high level of preparation of the Ukrainian side. Umerov stressed that the delegation is working “for real peace for Ukraine and guaranteed security.”
Earlier, Zelenskyy updated the composition of the delegation for negotiations with the United States, including key security officials and intelligence chiefs. The American side is represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special representative Steve Witkoff, and businessman and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, which reflects the importance of this format for the Trump administration.
Axios writes that the negotiations are taking place in Miami, after which the US envoys plan to go to Moscow for contact with Putin. In Geneva, the parties agreed on most issues, except for territories and security guarantees, and the United States seeks to eliminate gaps, noting that “the Ukrainians know what we expect from them.”
Zelensky announced intensive diplomatic work
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky had a telephone conversation with President of Finland Alexander Stubb, during which the parties discussed the current assessments of Russia's positions and diplomatic prospects.
The President of Ukraine thanked Finland for its support and emphasized the importance of almost daily coordination with partners before the next stage of negotiations with the United States and European countries. Zelensky informed his colleague about the preparation of the Ukrainian delegation and the signals received from the American side. The conversation demonstrated the readiness of both sides to continue support and exchange information on the situation.
The leader of Ukraine also stated that intensive diplomatic work with European partners is expected next week. He emphasized that unity in the vision of the situation is of key importance, in particular regarding the need for increased pressure on Russia as the only party responsible for the war. Zelensky emphasized that partnership coordination can help strengthen the common position in future negotiations. His statement reflects Ukraine’s desire to ensure a common understanding of risks and challenges at the international level.
Ukraine synchronizes sanctions with the US against Russian drone manufacturers
President Zelensky signed two decrees, putting into effect the NSDC’s decision to synchronize sanctions with the US and restrictions against individuals involved in the production of Russian drones. The first decree expands sanctions to 26 Russian legal entities, mainly from the energy sector, including Rosneft and Lukoil structures.
The sanctions agreed with the US cover parts of the industry that generate about 55% of Russian oil production. Ukraine has already agreed on 13 sanctions packages this year with the US, Japan, Canada, the UK and the EU.
The second decree imposes sanctions against 36 individuals and 13 legal entities associated with the production, training and use of Russian drones, including structures of the Rubicon criminal center. The restrictions apply to companies that develop and produce strike and reconnaissance UAVs, FPV drones and other aviation complexes.
Sanctions have also been imposed on “charitable” foundations and movements that support the Russian military, and mobile operators that provide Shahed drones with SIM cards.
The President of Ukraine and his advisor Vladyslav Vlasyuk have identified sanctions policy priorities until the end of the year, including the preparation of the EU’s 20 package and strengthening restrictions against the shadow fleet and the Russian military-industrial complex.
Rubio: “Negotiations must end the war in a way that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty and development”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said before meeting with the Ukrainian delegation in Florida that the negotiations are aimed not only at ending the war, but also at creating conditions for Ukraine’s long-term development.
He stressed that the current stage of the negotiations is based on the achievements of Geneva and previous contacts between the parties. Rubio emphasized that the United States and Ukraine share a common understanding of the need to end the suffering, killing, and destruction. According to him, Ukraine also seeks peace, which is a central motive for the negotiation process.
Rubio noted that it is important not only to end the war, but also to ensure the conditions under which Ukraine will be independent and capable of economic growth. He emphasized that a sustainable peace should create a path to economic progress and further development of the state. The Secretary of State emphasized the great potential of Ukraine, which can be realized only after the end of hostilities and the creation of appropriate mechanisms for stability. He expressed hope that the meeting in Florida will allow progress to be made in this direction.
Rubio plans to miss the meeting of NATO foreign ministers
Reuters reports that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is likely to miss the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels, which is unusual for traditional US diplomatic practice.
The delegation may be headed by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau instead. The reasons for the possible absence are unknown, although sources attribute this to the active work of Washington and Kyiv to coordinate positions on the Trump plan. Such incidents are rare, the last of which was recorded in 2017.
The publication notes that such an absence could increase concerns about the level of US commitment to European security, especially given Trump’s statements about the possibility of withdrawing from NATO or reducing American participation.
In turn, the US State Department refused to comment on the situation, emphasizing only that the alliance has been “completely revitalized” under the current administration. Officials emphasized that the Secretary of State cannot be present at every meeting and regularly communicates with European partners through other channels.
The NATO meeting is scheduled for December 3 and will become an important platform for discussing further steps regarding security in Europe.
Author: Danylo Pievchev