Diplomatic Discussions in Miami
US and Ukrainian envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Rustem Umerov, engaged in three days of meetings with European allies in Miami. Following these discussions, a joint statement described the talks as "productive and constructive" while noting that no major breakthrough has been achieved regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
According to the envoys, their shared priorities include stopping hostilities, ensuring security guarantees, and fostering Ukraine's recovery, stability, and long-term prosperity. The meetings focused on several frameworks:
- A 20-point plan
- A "multilateral security guarantee framework"
- A "US Security guarantee framework for Ukraine"
- An "economic & prosperity plan"
Separate Engagements with Russian Envoy
Steve Witkoff also met separately with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev in southern Florida. These meetings, which included other US officials such as Jared Kushner, were also characterized by Witkoff as "productive and constructive." Witkoff stated that Russia remains committed to achieving peace in Ukraine.
Context of Peace Efforts and Conflict
These diplomatic efforts follow weeks of activity, including the circulation of a 28-point US peace plan. The principal disagreement between Ukraine and Russia continues to involve Moscow's demand to retain control of territories it has seized. US intelligence reports, citing six informed sources, indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin's objective includes capturing all of Ukraine and reclaiming territories formerly part of the Soviet empire.
Separately, President Putin informed the BBC that future military operations would cease if Russia's interests were respected, stating, "There won't be any operations if you treat us with respect, if you respect our interests just as we've always tried to respect yours."
In a related development, Russian officials reported on Monday that a Ukrainian drone attack damaged two vessels and two piers in Russia's southern Krasnodar region. The incident resulted in a significant fire, though all crew members were safely evacuated. Some reports suggest oil infrastructure was the target of the attack.