HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. — Senior officials from the Trump administration are meeting with Ukrainian negotiators this weekend in Florida. The discussions aim to facilitate an end to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and prepare for upcoming talks in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The meeting includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law. This comes at a critical time for Ukraine, which is actively resisting Russian forces that invaded in 2022.

On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the resignation of his chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, who had been the lead negotiator in discussions with the U.S. His resignation followed a search of his home by anti-corruption investigators. This development adds pressure to Zelenskyy's government, which is dealing with a scandal involving the embezzlement of $100 million from the energy sector.

Just a week prior, Rubio had met with Yermak in Geneva, where both sides described the talks as productive in revising a peace plan. The current Ukrainian delegation includes Andrii Hnatov, head of Ukraine's armed forces; Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine's foreign minister; and Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine's security council.

Diplomats are focusing on revisions to a 28-point peace plan proposed by Trump, which has faced criticism for favoring Russian demands. The original plan suggested that Ukraine cede the entire eastern Donbas region to Russia, a contentious issue for Kyiv. Trump has since referred to the plan as a “concept” or a “map” that requires further adjustments. The proposal also included military limitations for Ukraine, restrictions on NATO membership, and a requirement for elections within 100 days.

While negotiators have indicated that the framework has changed, the specifics of these alterations remain unclear. Trump announced plans to send Witkoff and possibly Kushner to Moscow this week to discuss the plan with Putin. Both Witkoff and Kushner have backgrounds in real estate and are known for their deal-making approach.

Zelenskyy expressed optimism about the negotiations, stating on social media that the Ukrainian delegation would work quickly to outline steps to end the war. In a recent address, he noted that the American side is showing a constructive approach, saying, "In the coming days, it is feasible to flesh out the steps to determine how to bring the war to a dignified end."

Despite these diplomatic efforts, violence continues in Ukraine. On Saturday, Russian drone and missile strikes in and around Kyiv resulted in at least three deaths and numerous injuries. Additional attacks overnight into Sunday killed one person and injured 19 others, including four children, when a drone struck a residential building in Vyshhorod.

Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched 122 strike drones and ballistic missiles against Ukraine. He emphasized the need for enhanced military support, stating, "We must strengthen Ukraine’s resilience every day. Missiles and air defense systems are necessary, and we must also actively work with our partners for peace."

Tensions escalated further when Ukraine claimed responsibility for damaging an oil terminal near the Russian port of Novorossiysk. In response, Kazakhstan urged Ukraine to cease attacks on the Black Sea terminal, which is vital for Kazakhstan's oil exports. Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry expressed concern, stating, "We view what has occurred as an action harming the bilateral relations of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Ukraine. We expect the Ukrainian side to take effective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future."