Will US-Ukraine "golf club diplomacy" help end the war? | DW News

Key Concepts

• Ukraine Security: Ensuring Ukraine's future security and strength to deter future invasions.
• Revised US Peace Plan: A proposed plan for ending the war in Ukraine, undergoing revisions.
• Negotiation Complexity: The multifaceted nature of peace talks involving multiple stakeholders and unresolved issues.
• Russia's Role: Acknowledging Russia's necessary participation in the peace process.
• "Golf Club Diplomacy": A colloquial term for the informal setting of the recent US-Ukraine talks.

US-Ukraine Peace Talks: Progress and Challenges

Secretary Rubio characterized the recent talks as "very productive," building upon previous discussions in Geneva and earlier in the week. A notable shift in his tone was observed, with an increased emphasis on not just ending the war in Ukraine but also on establishing Ukraine's long-term security and resilience against future invasions. Rubio highlighted the intricate nature of the negotiations, stating that "many pieces that still need to come together" and that Russia "will have to be part of the process."

Steve Witkov's Moscow Trip and US-Ukraine Alignment

The upcoming trip by Steve Witkov to Moscow is deemed significant in this context. Rubio indicated that substantial groundwork has been laid, fostering "growing optimism," though he stressed that "more work is needed." It remains uncertain whether the US has extended any new security guarantees to Ukraine during these discussions in Miami. The US aims for "full alignment with Ukraine" regarding the peace plan.

Revisions to the US Peace Plan and Kremlin's Stance

Following Ukraine's request for changes to the original 28-point US peace plan, the Kremlin has signaled a potential reluctance to accept the revised terms without further consideration. When questioned about the number of points in the latest draft (whether it remained 28 or had been reduced to 19 or fewer), Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister, Sahikita, responded with laughter and did not provide a direct answer, underscoring the ongoing complexities and potential disagreements.

"Golf Club Diplomacy" Setting

The recent round of negotiations between American and Ukrainian officials took place at a golf club owned by Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkov. This informal setting has been colloquially referred to as "golf club diplomacy." The current stage of the peace process is described as being "on Russia's side of the golf course," implying that the onus is now on Russia to respond to the revised proposals.

Synthesis and Conclusion

The US-Ukraine peace talks have progressed, with a renewed focus on Ukraine's future security. While optimism exists, the negotiations are complex, requiring Russia's involvement and the resolution of numerous outstanding issues. Revisions to the US peace plan have been made at Ukraine's behest, but the Kremlin's acceptance of these changes is not guaranteed. The informal setting of the recent talks highlights the ongoing, delicate nature of the diplomatic efforts.