High-level diplomatic negotiations between United States, Ukrainian, and Russian representatives concluded in Miami with participants characterizing the discussions as “productive and constructive,” though significant obstacles to ending the nearly four-year conflict remain unresolved.
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, appointed by former President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian lead negotiator Rustem Umerov issued a joint statement following three days of intensive meetings with European allies. The discussions centered on aligning positions regarding a comprehensive 20-point peace framework, multilateral security guarantees, a specific US security assurance package for Ukraine, and an economic recovery plan aimed at ensuring long-term stability.
Concurrently, separate negotiations occurred between American officials and Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev in southern Florida. Witkoff confirmed these parallel discussions with Russian representatives, including Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, were similarly constructive, noting that “Russia remains fully committed to achieving peace in Ukraine.”
The Miami meetings represent the latest development in intensified diplomatic efforts triggered by the recent leak of a 28-point US peace proposal that initially alarmed Ukrainian and European officials due to perceived concessions favoring Russia. Despite the positive rhetoric, fundamental disagreements persist, particularly regarding Moscow’s insistence on retaining control of captured Ukrainian territories.
This diplomatic activity unfolds against a backdrop of continued military operations. Russian authorities reported Ukrainian drone attacks damaging two vessels and port infrastructure in the Krasnodar region, resulting in significant fires though without crew casualties.
Meanwhile, US intelligence assessments, corroborated by six sources familiar with the matter, indicate Russian President Vladimir Putin maintains ambitions to control all of Ukraine and potentially reclaim former Soviet territories in Europe. This contrasts with Putin’s recent BBC interview statements suggesting Russia seeks peaceful relations if treated with “respect and recognition of our interests.”