Envoys from the US and Ukraine have reported that their discussions in Miami were “productive and constructive,” although significant progress in resolving Ukraine’s conflict with Russia still seems elusive.
Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s special envoy, released a joint statement alongside Rustem Umerov, the main Ukrainian negotiator, following three days of consultations with European partners.
They stated that their talks centered on coordinating their stances regarding a 20-point strategy, a “multilateral security guarantee framework,” a “US Security guarantee framework for Ukraine,” and a plan for “economic & prosperity.”
Separate negotiations were also occurring in Miami with Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian envoy.
Witkoff and Umerov emphasized in a statement, “Our common priority is halting the violence, ensuring assured security, and creating the conditions necessary for Ukraine’s recovery, stability, and enduring prosperity.”
These meetings represent the latest phase in a series of diplomatic efforts triggered by the publication of a 28-point US peace proposal which alarmed Ukraine and its European allies, suggesting a bias toward Russia, which invaded Ukraine nearly four years ago.
Witkoff noted that Russian representatives had met with him and other US officials in southern Florida, including Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law.
He remarked that interactions with Russian envoy Dmitriev were also “productive and constructive” and affirmed that “Russia remains fully dedicated to achieving peace in Ukraine.”
Trump has been urging both Ukraine and Russia to reach an agreement concerning the end of hostilities, yet the two nations have yet to find common ground on crucial matters, including Moscow’s insistence on retaining territory it has already captured.
US intelligence assessments continue to indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin still aims to seize all of Ukraine and recover parts of Europe that were part of the former Soviet Union, according to six sources familiar with US intelligence who spoke to Reuters.
This follows Putin’s remarks to the BBC’s Steve Rosenberg, stating that there would be no further conflicts following Ukraine if Russia is treated with respect.
He stated, “There won’t be any operations if you treat us with respect, if you respect our interests just as we’ve always sought to respect yours.”
In another development, Ukrainian drone strikes reportedly damaged two vessels and two piers in Russia’s Krasnodar region, according to Russian officials on Monday.
The impact resulted in a significant fire, although Russian authorities confirmed that all crew members were evacuated safely. Some reports indicate that oil infrastructure was targeted.
