• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirms no forced agreements in Ukraine peace talks.
• Talks in Miami involve European allies and key Ukrainian negotiators.
• Rubio emphasizes both Ukraine and Russia must agree to any deal.
• Russia continues military operations, claiming gains in eastern Ukraine.
• Land disputes remain a primary obstacle in the negotiations.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on December 19 that the United States will not impose any agreement on Ukraine regarding its conflict with Russia, as negotiations continue in Miami. He emphasized that both sides must agree to a deal for any future peace to be realized. "There's no peace deal unless Ukraine agrees to it," Rubio said, dismissing the notion that the US is forcing any outcome on Kyiv during a news conference in Washington.

The Miami talks, attended by European allies, are part of a broader diplomatic engagement led by US officials, including Trump's global envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner. The discussions aim to ensure long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, as the situation remains precarious with Russia continuing its military advancements. "We are acting clearly in line with the priorities defined by the president: Ukraine's security must be guaranteed reliably and in the long term," asserted Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's top negotiator, amid these efforts.

During these talks, the difficulties surrounding territorial concessions became apparent, as the US may be negotiating plans that could expect Ukraine to surrender parts of its eastern regions, a contentious point for many Ukrainians. Rubio reiterated the necessity for both Russia and Ukraine to be willing to reach an agreement without coercion, ensuring that any proposed solutions reflect the interests of both nations.

As these diplomatic efforts unfold, President Putin asserted during a recent news conference that Russia would continue its military offensives, claiming territorial gains. "Our troops are advancing along the entire line of contact," he stated, indicating an ongoing conflict situation that complicates peace talks, particularly with land being a major contention point for negotiations.