UPDATE - US, Ukrainian officials discuss pathway toward durable peace ending conflict with Russia

ADDS MORE DETAILS, BACKGROUND

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - US Special Envoy Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner, an unofficial advisor to President Donald Trump, his father-in-law, held their sixth meeting in two weeks with Ukrainian officials, discussing steps toward ending the war, the State Department said Friday.

The two days of "constructive" talks with Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and Chief of General Staff Andriy Hnatov focused on "advancing a credible pathway toward a durable and just peace in Ukraine," according to a department readout of the talks.

Umerov reaffirmed that Ukraine's priority is securing a settlement that "protects its independence and sovereignty, ensures the safety of Ukrainians, and provides a stable foundation for a prosperous democratic future."

The group also talked about the results of recent American meetings with Russian officials and steps that could lead to ending the war, which is nearing the four-year mark.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Witkoff and Kushner in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss a peace plan. Following the talks, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said Moscow hopes Washington will share the results of the ongoing US-Ukraine negotiations in Florida.

In Florida, the US and Ukrainian sides discussed necessary deterrence capabilities to sustain lasting peace and agreed on a framework for security arrangements.

Both parties emphasized that real progress toward any agreement "depends on Russia's readiness to show serious commitment to long-term peace, including steps toward de-escalation and cessation of killings."

-‘Future prosperity agenda’

The parties also reviewed a broader “future prosperity agenda” that covers post-war reconstruction, joint economic initiatives, and long-term recovery projects.

Both sides stressed that credible progress toward ceasefire and de-escalation is essential not only to prevent renewed aggression but also to unlock Ukraine’s comprehensive redevelopment plan aimed at making the country "stronger and more prosperous than before the war."

The parties also decided to reconvene on Saturday to continue discussions.

Top officials from both countries also met last weekend in Florida, in a meeting both sides called “productive” and “successful.”

Afterwards, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the aim is not only to end the war but to help Ukrainians rebuild “stronger and more prosperous than ever,” while cautioning that the process remains “delicate” and requires Russia’s involvement as “part of the equation.”