**Florida, USA** – Day 1,397 of Russia's protracted war on Ukraine has seen a significant diplomatic manoeuvre unfold in Florida, where a US-drafted peace proposal for the protracted conflict has become the focal point of intense negotiations. However, the initiative, reportedly a 20-point plan, is already encountering considerable resistance from European and Ukrainian officials who express apprehension that it may unduly favour Russian wartime objectives and compel Kyiv to make unwelcome concessions.
The recent diplomatic flurry, which spanned three days concluding on Sunday, involved high-level discussions between US and Russian representatives, as well as crucial meetings between Ukrainian and European negotiators and envoys associated with former US President Donald Trump. These discussions, held in Florida, were ostensibly aimed at charting a path towards de-escalation and a lasting resolution. The US-brokered proposals, which surfaced in the public domain last month, have ignited a debate over their potential to secure peace versus the risk of undermining Ukrainian sovereignty.
Yury Ushakov, President Vladimir Putin's senior foreign policy advisor, was notably critical of the amendments being proposed by European and Ukrainian parties. He articulated his view that these additions would not enhance the existing document, nor would they bolster the prospects for achieving enduring peace. This sentiment suggests a divergence in perspectives on what constitutes a viable peace framework, with Moscow seemingly favouring the original US draft.
Parallelly, US officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff, described the Florida meetings as "productive and constructive." Witkoff specifically highlighted the engagement with the Ukrainian delegation, indicating a continued US effort to facilitate dialogue. Nevertheless, the underlying tension stems from European leaders and officials who perceive the US mediation as being too accommodating of Russian priorities. They are concerned that the American approach might inadvertently pave the way for Ukraine to cede territory or strategic advantages gained during the nearly four-year-long conflict.
The negotiations have reportedly delved into the intricacies of security guarantees for Ukraine, encompassing both multilateral frameworks and specific US commitments. Furthermore, the economic rebuilding of Ukraine has been a significant topic of discussion, underscoring the multifaceted nature of any sustainable peace accord. The focus on "timelines" and the "sequencing of next steps" indicates a desire to establish a clear roadmap for implementation, should an agreement be reached.
The involvement of figures linked to the Trump administration has added another layer of complexity. Reports suggest a push from this faction for a swift conclusion to the hostilities, a goal that may not align with the cautious and comprehensive approach advocated by some European capitals. The extent to which European and Ukrainian input will be integrated into the evolving US proposal remains uncertain, raising questions about the ultimate shape of any potential peace accord and the degree to which it will reflect the aspirations of all parties involved, particularly Ukraine. The coming weeks will likely reveal whether this US-led diplomatic push can bridge the considerable divides or if it will exacerbate existing concerns about the potential for compromised peace.