Rubio, Witkoff meets Ukraine delegation, Zelenskyy says “dignified end” to war

By Anjali Sharma

WASHINGTON – According to the White House official on Saturday, a senior Ukrainian delegation will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Sunday in Florida to discuss the US’ peace plan to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Presidential advisor Jared Kushner will also take part in the talks with the Ukrainian officials in Florida, emphasized Washington’s diplomatic push on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that a “dignified end” to the war was possible given that the US was demonstrating a constructive approach.

“The Ukrainian delegation should be in the United States by this evening, US time. The dialogue based on the Geneva points will continue. Diplomacy remains active. The American side is demonstrating a constructive approach, and in the coming days it is feasible to flesh out the steps to determine how to bring the war to a dignified end. The Ukrainian delegation has the necessary directives, and I expect the guys to work in accordance with clear Ukrainian priorities,” Zelenskyy posted on X.

Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, is leading the Ukrainian delegation.

Zelenskyy said that the delegation’s task was to swiftly and substantively work out the steps needed to end the war.

“Ukraine continues to work with the United States in the most constructive way possible, and we expect that the results of the meetings in Geneva will now be hammered out in the United States. I look forward to our delegation’s report following its work this Sunday. Ukraine is working for a dignified peace. Glory to Ukraine,” Zelenskyy posted on X.

Zelenskyy accused Russia of launching “36 missiles and 600 drones against ordinary life” killing at least three people and injuring dozens.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the US’ plan to end the conflict could “form the basis for future agreements”, media reported.

Putin warned that Russia would seize more territory by force unless Kyiv withdraws.

He was speaking to reporters in Bishkek on Thursday, where he confirmed, as per media reports that Kremlin was expecting a US delegation headed by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to visit Moscow in the coming week.

Putin asserted that Kremlin was ready for a “serious discussion”.

He reiterated, the conflict can only end after Ukrainian troops withdraw from the territories they occupy.