Peace talks in Miami show fragile progress as attacks intensify in Ukraine

Tuesday 23 December 2025 - 18:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Peace talks in Miami show fragile progress as attacks intensify in Ukraine

Ukrainian and Russian delegations met in Miami over the weekend for renewed peace negotiations hosted at Mar-a-Lago, but the outcome revealed sharp divisions despite a slimmer proposal on the table. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the draft as "quite robust", while Moscow dismissed notions of any major progress. The talks concluded only hours before Russia launched one of its largest military offensives in months, underscoring the ongoing volatility on the battlefield.

Ukraine cautiously hopeful amid revised peace framework

President Zelenskyy said that almost 90% of Ukraine’s initial requests had been included in the latest 20-point framework, a revision of the earlier 28-point plan criticized for leaning toward Russian demands. The proposal reportedly allows Ukraine to maintain an 800,000-strong army with Western financial support, move forward toward EU membership, and secure collective defense guarantees from European powers such as Britain and France.

In contrast, the Kremlin responded with skepticism. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Miami meetings should not be mistaken for a breakthrough, describing them as part of a “meticulous” ongoing process. Senior adviser Yuri Ushakov emphasized Russia’s continued opposition to territorial clauses, suggesting no consensus had been reached on contested areas.

Divisions emerge within the US administration

Inside Washington, the peace initiative has ignited tension. NBC News revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff have disagreed over procedural authority, with Witkoff allegedly bypassing official channels. Sources claim Witkoff met Ukrainian officials in Florida and organized follow-up sessions in Geneva without consulting senior figures at the State Department. The internal disputes highlight deep divisions within the administration on whether to pressure Kyiv or Moscow more forcefully to reach an agreement.

Russian escalation undercuts diplomatic momentum

Hours after Zelenskyy’s remarks, Russia unleashed a massive wave of strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy network and major ports. The assault involved more than 650 drones and nearly 40 missiles, killing at least three civilians, including a child, and causing extended blackouts across 13 regions. Odesa absorbed some of the heaviest hits, as repeated bombardments have crippled port operations and disrupted power for more than 120,000 residents.

The escalating violence has cast doubt over the diplomatic process that began with cautious optimism. The core disputes territorial boundaries, long-term security guarantees, and Ukraine’s geopolitical orientation remain unresolved, leaving the conflict grinding on with no clear end in sight.