(LONDON) — American and Ukrainian officials will resume discussions on a potential security framework aimed at establishing a peace deal to end Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The State Department announced that these talks will take place on Saturday, following meetings held in Miami earlier this week.

In a statement released on Friday, the State Department noted that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner engaged in what they described as "constructive discussions" with the Ukrainian delegation. The focus of these talks was on creating a credible pathway toward a sustainable peace in Ukraine.

The two delegations reportedly reached an agreement on a framework for security arrangements and deterrence capabilities, which the State Department believes could lead to a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia. However, the statement did not provide specific details regarding the proposed security arrangements.

Ukrainian officials have emphasized that any peace agreement must include concrete security guarantees from Western allies, particularly the United States. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his administration have expressed concerns that without such assurances, Russia may feel emboldened to initiate further aggression.

The U.S. and Ukrainian teams met in Miami on Thursday and Friday, and they are scheduled to reconvene on Saturday to continue their discussions. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, reiterated that their primary goal is to secure a settlement that protects Ukraine's independence and sovereignty, ensures the safety of its citizens, and lays the groundwork for a stable and prosperous democratic future.

Additionally, U.S. envoys shared insights from their recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, discussing potential steps to bring an end to the conflict. Both sides acknowledged that meaningful progress toward an agreement hinges on Russia's willingness to commit to long-term peace, which includes de-escalation and halting violence.

Ahead of the Miami meetings, Zelenskyy stated on social media that his team aimed to gather comprehensive information regarding discussions in Russia and any new pretexts Putin might use to prolong the war. He emphasized Ukraine's readiness to adapt to any developments and expressed a commitment to working constructively with international partners to achieve peace. "Only a dignified peace provides real security, and we fully understand that this requires — and will continue to require — the support of our partners," he added.

The Kremlin has maintained its firm demands, which include Ukraine's withdrawal from territories still partially under its control in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine has consistently rejected this proposal. Despite high casualty rates among Russian forces and slow progress on the battlefield, Putin has claimed a "positive dynamic" in the conflict, stating that Russia is "ready in principle" to "fight to the last Ukrainian."

As diplomatic efforts continue, both Russia and Ukraine are engaged in long-range strike campaigns. On Saturday morning, Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 653 drones and 51 missiles, including 17 ballistic missiles, overnight. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted 585 drones and 30 missiles. Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have downed at least 121 Ukrainian drones during the same timeframe.