(MENAFN) The US and Ukraine reported significant progress on Sunday after what both sides described as the most productive discussions yet in ongoing efforts to negotiate a Russia-Ukraine peace agreement, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighting the momentum.

Rubio said during a briefing at the US Mission in Geneva that the opening session of the talks was “probably the most productive and meaningful meeting so far in this entire process,” noting that the discussions drew on extensive contributions from all involved.

"We were able to go through some of the items now, point by point. And I think we’ve made good progress," he said.

He explained that delegations had split up to further develop proposals aimed at closing remaining gaps. "We're working through making some changes, some adjustments, in the hopes of furthering narrowing the differences and getting closer to something that both Ukraine and obviously the United States are very comfortable with," he said.

"Obviously, this will ultimately have to be signed off of our presidents, although I feel very comfortable about that happening,” he added, saying Washington also has “substantial insights” into Russia’s priorities.

Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak affirmed the encouraging tone.
"I want to confirm that we have (a) very productive first session with distinguished American delegation. We have very good progress, and we are moving forward to the just and lasting peace Ukrainian people deserve and want this peace more than any more anyone in this planet," he said.

Yermak expressed gratitude for US support, saying that work would continue over the next few days and in coordination with European partners.

Rubio concluded by noting that both teams would resume work later. "Let us work on more answers for you … We will come back later tonight," he said.

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