Miami, Florida: High-level diplomatic discussions aimed at ending the nearly four-year war in Ukraine concluded in Miami on Sunday. While both US and Ukrainian envoys described the meetings as “productive and constructive,” they acknowledged that a significant breakthrough remains elusive.
A New Diplomatic Format
The talks, hosted by US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, marked a shift in strategy. For the first time, separate but simultaneous discussions involved:
- The Ukrainian Delegation: Led by top negotiator Rustem Umerov.
- European Partners: National security advisors from Kyiv’s allies joined to ensure a “shared strategic approach.”
- The Russian Envoy: Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, held separate meetings with the US team at a luxury golf club in Florida.
The “Four Key Documents”
Negotiators focused on aligning positions across a redrafted 20-point peace plan. The discussions revolved around four foundational pillars:
- A 20-Point Peace Plan: A refined version of a US-drafted proposal.
- Multilateral Security Guarantee Framework: Involving international allies.
- US Security Guarantee Framework: Specific bilateral commitments for Ukraine.
- Economic & Prosperity Plan: Focused on Ukraine’s long-term recovery.
Significant Hurdles Remain
Despite the optimistic language, deep divisions persist. The Kremlin has already labeled recent proposed changes to the peace plan as a “non-starter.”
- Territorial Issues: Reports suggest the US has pressed Ukraine to consider territorial concessions, a move that remains a point of intense friction for Kyiv.
- Security vs. Surrender: Ukraine is seeking firm security guarantees in exchange for any potential concessions, while Russia continues its military advances on the eastern front.
“Peace must be not only a cessation of hostilities, but also a dignified foundation for a stable future,” stated Steve Witkoff following the meetings.
Context of the Conflict
As diplomacy unfolded in Florida, the war raged on. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that in just one week, Russia launched approximately 1,300 drones and 1,200 aerial bombs against Ukraine. Zelenskyy described the week as “historic” due to a $100 billion funding pledge from Europe, but cautioned that a resolution depends on whether Russia “feels the need to end the war for real.”