Keystone
Recent three-day negotiations in Miami aimed at concluding the ongoing war in Ukraine have been reported as positive by key negotiators from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia.
Productive Talks: A New Glimmer of Hope
In a significant development, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Rustem Umjerow, Secretary of the Ukrainian Security Council, shared on the social media platform X that their discussions were “productive and constructive.” Key topics included security guarantees from the United States and strategies for Ukraine’s economic recovery, which has been severely impacted by four years of conflict with Russia.
Witkoff noted that even Russia, the aggressor in the conflict, appeared committed to pursuing a peace solution. Despite these diplomatic efforts, hostilities continued to unfold in Ukraine during the talks, underlining the complexity of the situation.
Prioritizing Peace: U.S. and Ukraine’s Shared Goals
Both Witkoff and Umjerow emphasized that their foremost priority is to halt the killing and ensure long-term security for Ukraine. They articulated a vision not merely for ending hostilities but for establishing a stable and dignified foundation for Ukraine’s recovery and prosperity.
An interesting dimension of the negotiations involved a Russian delegation led by Kirill Dmitriev, who engaged in talks with U.S. negotiators, including Jared Kushner, a notable figure due to his ties to the previous U.S. administration. Witkoff conveyed that discussions with Dmitriev were also considered “productive and constructive,” a sentiment he reinforced by acknowledging Russia’s appreciation for American efforts to mediate the conflict.
A Cultural Flare: “Next Time in Moscow”
Following the talks, Dmitriev shared a light-hearted message, accompanied by a selfie against a beach backdrop, stating, “Thank you, Miami. Next time: Moscow.” This phrase echoes a prior statement made by President Vladimir Putin, which raised eyebrows during a previous summit with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Despite the positive undertones in the negotiations, official reports indicate no direct meetings occurred between Ukrainian and Russian representatives in Miami. Nevertheless, the symbolic gesture of planning for a potential follow-up in Moscow adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing dialogue.
Zelensky’s Optimism amidst Challenges
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the Miami discussions as “constructive,” emphasizing ongoing work on various documents related to ending the war, ensuring security, and planning for reconstruction. He declared that every point of discussion was being examined in detail, and a timetable for decision-making was also on the agenda.
Both Ukraine and Russia await detailed reports from their respective teams, with expectations that Dmitriev’s return to Moscow will really set the stage for evaluating the proposals discussed. Yuri Ushakov, an advisor to Putin, indicated that they would review this new information and ascertain what could be accepted or rejected from the American side.
Broader European Involvement Suggested
In light of ongoing diplomatic efforts, Zelensky advocated for involving more European partners in the dialogue. He indicated on social media a conversation with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, underscoring the notion that wider consultations would be beneficial for Ukraine as the negotiation process unfolds in the U.S.
A Cautious Outlook: Expert Analysis
Jürgen Hardt, a foreign policy expert from Germany’s CDU party, expressed cautious optimism regarding Ukraine’s position in the negotiations. He warned that any excessive accommodation towards Putin could negatively affect Trump’s reputation in Congress and among the American public. Moreover, the backing from European allies, including the substantial €90 billion loan promised by the EU, provides Ukraine with essential leverage.
Hardt pointed out that Russia’s limited territorial gains in 2025, less than one percent of Ukrainian territory, were accompanied by heavy Russian losses, suggesting that circumstances may favor Ukraine in the negotiation arena.
Escalating Conflict: A Contradiction to Diplomacy
Amidst the diplomatic dialogue in Miami, Russia escalated its military aggression against Ukraine, launching significant airstrikes targeting Ukrainian ports, resulting in civilian casualties and destruction. This contradiction highlights the underlying tensions and the enormity of the challenge facing negotiators.
In response, Zelensky accused Russia of showing no real interest in de-escalation, emphasizing the need for sustained international pressure to force Moscow’s hand in ending hostilities. He noted that Russia was actively attempting to restrict Ukraine’s access to key maritime logistics.
Turning the tide, Ukraine has also engaged in retaliatory drone strikes against Russian targets, such as pipelines, underscoring the ongoing cycle of violence even as peace discussions unfold.