U.S. and Ukrainian Officials Set for Critical Negotiations in Miami
On Sunday morning, U.S. and Ukrainian officials will convene in Miami for crucial negotiations. This meeting is particularly significant as it precedes the visit of President Trump's envoys to Moscow, where they will engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The ongoing discussions are pivotal in finalizing the U.S. peace plan, which has undergone extensive revisions in recent days to better align with the expectations of Kyiv.
The U.S. delegation comprises notable figures, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, who are scheduled to present the revised peace plan to Putin on Tuesday. The Ukrainian contingent is now led by Rustem Umerov, the national security adviser, following the resignation of Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff. Yermak's abrupt departure comes amid a corruption probe that has significantly impacted Zelensky's administration.
Yermak, who has been a central figure in Ukraine's negotiations, notified associates of his intention to head to the frontline in eastern Ukraine after resigning. His exit underscores the ongoing turmoil within the Ukrainian leadership, especially as anti-corruption authorities have initiated investigations deep within Zelensky's inner circle. This shake-up raises questions about the stability of the Ukrainian government during such a critical phase of negotiations.
The Miami meeting is set to take place at Witkoff's exclusive Shell Bay golf club. Alongside Umerov, the Ukrainian delegation includes Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ambassador to the U.S. Olha Stefanishyna, military chief of staff Gen. Andrii Hnatov, and various intelligence officials. The presence of these high-ranking officials highlights the importance of this diplomatic effort.
During previous talks in Geneva, both sides reached agreements in principle on several issues, leaving only two critical points unresolved: territory and security guarantees. A senior U.S. official indicated that the White House aims to bridge the gaps on these last two contentious issues during the Miami meeting, emphasizing that the Ukrainians are aware of the U.S. expectations.
Despite Yermak's resignation, he conveyed to Axios that any discussions regarding territorial concessions would need to occur at the presidential level. President Trump has stated he will only meet with both Zelensky and Putin once the parties are nearing an agreement to resolve the ongoing conflict. The dialogue based on the Geneva principles will persist, showcasing a continued commitment to diplomacy and a constructive approach from the American side.
While the U.S. hopes that presenting a set of understandings with Ukraine will facilitate progress in discussions with Putin, skepticism looms. The Kremlin has expressed doubts about accepting the revised terms of the original 28-point U.S. plan. Additionally, Putin reiterated his territorial ambitions, asserting that Russia will pursue its claims either through peaceful negotiations or military means, suggesting a willingness to escalate tensions further.
The upcoming negotiations in Miami represent a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, with high stakes for both Ukraine and the U.S. As the dialogue unfolds, the international community will be closely monitoring the developments and the potential for a resolution to bring a dignified end to the war.