Belgium USA and Ukraine continue talks on peace plan today
The USA and Ukraine are continuing their talks on a peace plan for the country attacked by Russia today. This was announced by the US State Department and the US special envoy Steve Witkoff on Platform X after the meeting with a Ukrainian delegation on Friday. The latest talks in the US state of Florida began on Thursday. According to the US, both sides agreed that an end to the war depends on Russia's willingness to make peace.
06.12.2025, 05:49
SDA
"Real progress towards an agreement" was based on whether the Kremlin showed "serious commitment to long-term peace", announced special envoy Steve Witkoff on Platform X and the US State Department. This also included "steps to de-escalate and end the fighting."
Russia continues attacks on Kiev
Despite the talks, Russia continued its attacks in Ukraine during the night. Three people were injured in a Russian missile and drone attack on the Kiev district, according to local authorities.
According to the media, the Ukrainian air force reported that Russian forces had fired missiles, including Kinschal hypersonic missiles, and dozens of drones at cities on the outskirts of the Ukrainian capital. The city's main railway station was also hit. The information could not initially be independently verified.
"Security agreements" instead of security guarantees?
At the talks in Miami, the representatives of the United States and Ukraine agreed on "key points for security agreements" and "necessary deterrents to ensure lasting peace", the statement continued. No details of the "security agreements" were given. The word "security guarantees" was avoided. Ukraine and its allies repeatedly demand these in order to secure a possible lasting peace and prevent future aggression by Russia.
Witkoff and the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, Jared Kushner, spoke with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday and presented the US proposals for an end to the war. On Thursday and Friday, they reported on this meeting to the Ukrainian delegation in Florida - including former Defense Minister Rustem Umyerov and Chief of General Staff Andriy Hnatov.
After the second meeting, Umyerev was quoted in Witkoff's statement as saying that Ukraine's priority was to find a solution that would protect its independence and sovereignty. The statement went on to say that initiatives for the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war and joint economic initiatives were examined during the talks.
Ukraine, which depends on American and European support, has declared its willingness to negotiate. Moscow is also willing to talk. However, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is sticking to his tough demands, insisting among other things on Ukraine ceding territory and renouncing NATO membership. He blames Brussels and Kiev for the lack of progress in the talks.
Russia began the invasion almost four years ago. Including Crimea, Russia currently occupies around a fifth of Ukraine's territory. However, Moscow has not succeeded in completely taking over the claimed Donbass region by military means since 2022.
Decision on frozen Russian state assets
Whether frozen Russian state assets in the EU can be used for Ukraine will only be decided at a summit meeting on 18 December. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) tried to overcome Belgium's resistance during a visit to Brussels on Friday. He once again promised the Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever an equal distribution of risk, according to government spokesman Stefan Kornelius.
"Belgium's particular involvement in the issue of the utilization of frozen Russian assets is undeniable and must be addressed in any conceivable solution in such a way that all European states bear the same risk," said Merz.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also took part in the meeting. According to Kornelius, the three agreed to continue their exchange with the aim of finding an amicable solution by the European Council on December 18.
Most of the Russian assets are stored in Belgium
Merz and von der Leyen have been trying for weeks to persuade De Wever to give up his opposition to the use of Russian central bank money. The Belgian plays a central role because a large proportion of the assets, around 185 billion euros, are managed by the Brussels-based financial institution Euroclear.
According to the Commission, Ukraine is to receive up to 90 billion euros from the so-called reparation loan by the end of 2027. Russia would only get the money back if it pays reparations after its war of aggression. The Belgian government has so far blocked the plan, citing legal and financial risks.
Selenskyj also dismisses Jermak from the Security Council
In Kiev, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi also dismissed his former Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak from other posts. According to two decrees, Yermak is no longer a member of the National Security Council and the so-called Stavka, Zelensky's military-political command center. Jermak had been a member of both bodies as head of the presidential office.
The closest confidant of the Ukrainian head of state had to resign last week after corruption investigators searched his home. Selenskyj has not yet appointed a successor to head the presidential office.
