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07:02 GMT
WASHINGTON, Dec 6 (KUNA) -- The United States and Ukraine held a new round of diplomatic talks to put an end to the four-year war in Ukraine late Friday.
"Over two days, Special Envoy for Peace Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Ukrainian Secretary of National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov and Chief of General Staff General Andriy Hnatov for constructive discussions on advancing a credible pathway toward a durable and just peace in Ukraine," the U.S. State Department said in a press statement.
"Today, the group had their sixth meeting over the past two weeks. Secretary Umerov reaffirmed that Ukraine's priority is securing a settlement that protects its independence and sovereignty, ensures the safety of Ukrainians, and provides a stable foundation for a prosperous democratic future," it added.
The participants discussed the results of recent meeting of the American side with the Russians and steps that could lead to ending this war. The Americans and Ukrainians also agreed on the framework of security arrangements and discussed necessary deterrence capabilities to sustain a lasting peace, according to the statement.
Both parties agreed that real progress toward any agreement depends on Russia's readiness to show serious commitment to long-term peace, including steps toward de-escalation and cessation of killings.
Parties also separately reviewed the future prosperity agenda, which aims to support Ukraine's post-war reconstruction, joint U.S.-Ukraine economic initiatives, and long-term recovery projects.
American and Ukrainian parties underscored that an end to the war and credible steps toward ceasefire and de-escalation are necessary to prevent renewed aggression and to enable Ukraine's comprehensive redevelopment plan, designed to make the nation stronger and more prosperous than before the war.
Parties will reconvene Sunday to continue advancing the discussions, added the statement. (end)
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