Diplomatic discussions concerning the conflict between Ukraine and Russia were conducted in Miami, involving envoys from the United States and Ukraine. Participants described the meetings as "productive and constructive," though no major breakthrough was announced.
Steve Witkoff, appointed as a special envoy by Donald Trump, and Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's lead negotiator, released a joint statement following three days of meetings that included European allies. The primary agenda items for these discussions included aligning positions on a 20-point plan, a "multilateral security guarantee framework," a "US Security guarantee framework for Ukraine," and an "economic & prosperity plan."
Witkoff also engaged in separate discussions with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev and other US officials, including Jared Kushner, in southern Florida. Witkoff stated that these meetings with Russian representatives were similarly "productive and constructive," asserting that "Russia remains fully committed to achieving peace in Ukraine."
These gatherings represent the latest phase in ongoing diplomatic efforts, which began weeks prior with the circulation of a 28-point US peace proposal. A key impediment to a resolution remains Russia's demand to retain territories it has already seized. US intelligence reports, citing six sources, indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin's objectives include securing all of Ukraine and reasserting control over parts of the former Soviet empire. President Putin recently communicated that further conflicts would be avoided if Russia's interests were acknowledged and respected.
In a separate development, Russian officials reported on Monday that a Ukrainian drone attack in Russia's southern Krasnodar region resulted in damage to two vessels and two piers, causing a significant fire. Russian authorities confirmed that all crew members were safely evacuated, with some reports suggesting oil infrastructure as a target.