Senior US and Ukrainian officials held nearly four hours of negotiations on Sunday (November 30) with the aim of charting a path to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the talks as “very productive” while warning that “more work remains”. Speaking after the meeting, Rubio stressed that Washington is not only focused on stopping hostilities, but on ensuring Ukraine’s long-term stability. “It’s not just about ending a war. It’s about ending a war in a way that creates a mechanism and a path forward that will allow them to be independent and sovereign [and] never have a war again,” Rubio said. He added that the U.S. is seeking an outcome that keeps Ukraine “sovereign and independent and with an opportunity for real prosperity.” Talks follow criticism of draft peace plan The meeting comes as diplomats continue to review a 28-point U.S.-Russia draft plan, which has previously been criticized for leaning too heavily on Russian demands. Initial provisions are believed to include restrictions on Ukraine’s military, a quick election timeline, including a block on NATO membership and the ceding of the entire Donbas region to Russia. Negotiators have since said changes have been made. Trump envoys prepare for Moscow round Rubio is joined by special envoy Jared Kushner, who is expected to travel to Moscow this week for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin parts, and of course there’s another party involved,” Rubio noted. “We have a pretty good understanding of their views as well.” Ukraine praises US involvement The Ukrainian delegation included the head of the Security Council, Rustem Umerov, the head of the armed forces, Andrii Hnatov, and presidential adviser Oleksandr Bevz. Umerov expressed Kyiv’s appreciation after criticism by President Trump that Ukraine was insufficiently grateful. “The US hears us. USA supports us. US is working alongside us,” Umerov said. Zelensky replaces chief negotiator amid scandal The talks in Florida unfolded days after the resignation of Andrii Yermak, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff and former top negotiator. Yermak’s home was searched as part of an investigation into a $100 million probe into a $100 million energy scandal. Zelensky said Saturday that the U.S. team had a “constructive approach” has shown. “In the coming days it is feasible to carry out the steps to determine how to bring the war to a dignified end,” the president said.