Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Dec 6: Negotiators from the White House and Ukraine have agreed on a broad “framework of security arrangements” while continuing talks aimed at shaping a possible peace deal to end the ongoing conflict with Russia, US officials said on Friday.

A statement issued by the US noted that the discussions also focused on what deterrence capabilities Ukraine would require to secure a durable peace. It added that recent meetings held between American representatives and Russian officials were reviewed as part of the ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Despite the optimistic tone, there were no indications of a breakthrough that could shift momentum dramatically in the long-running war.

President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and US special envoy Steve Witkoff have been holding closed-door negotiations in Florida with Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and Chief of General Staff General Andriy Hnatov. The high-level group is scheduled to continue their talks on Saturday.

The US emphasized that meaningful progress hinges on Russia’s willingness to show “serious commitment” to long-term peace, including steps toward de-escalation and an end to civilian casualties.

Earlier this week, Kushner and Witkoff also met Russian President Vladimir Putin, as Washington continues to press Kyiv to consider a negotiated settlement. The original framework worked out between Witkoff and Russian officials has been described by the US as a foundation for discussions — a characterization that has raised concerns among European allies who fear Ukraine may be pressured into major concessions.

Following consultations with Kyiv, Washington submitted a revised proposal to Moscow. However, major sticking points remain — including territorial questions, the status of frozen Russian assets, and the scope of international security guarantees for Ukraine.

Trump, commenting on the talks, said his team left their meeting with Putin with the belief that the Russian leader “would like to make a deal.” But the Kremlin has yet to endorse any proposal. Putin, in a media interview on Thursday, suggested that key elements of the US plan were unacceptable to Moscow and that difficult negotiations still lay ahead.

As the discussions continue into the weekend, the path to peace remains uncertain — even as all sides publicly signal a desire to end the war.