U.S. and Ukrainian officials met near Miami on Sunday for follow-up negotiations on a proposed peace framework aimed at ending the more than three-year war with Russia. The talks came after Washington unveiled a revised roadmap critics said tilted too heavily toward Moscow’s demands. Kyiv brought a new chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, after the previous lead, Andriy Yermak, resigned amid a corruption scandal that has deepened political tensions at home. Ukraine has been under mounting battlefield pressure and facing nationwide blackouts after intensified Russian strikes.
Why It Matters
The U.S. is attempting to push forward a settlement that could reshape Europe’s security landscape and test Washington’s influence over both Kyiv and Moscow. Despite U.S. optimism, major gaps remain on core issues such as territorial concessions, sovereignty guarantees, and long-term security arrangements. Any deal will carry significant geopolitical consequences and risks triggering domestic backlash in Ukraine, where public resistance to concessions remains high.
United States: Led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner involved. Washington is trying to mediate, maintain leverage, and deliver on President Trump’s promise to “end the war.”
Ukraine: Represented by Rustem Umerov and senior officials. Kyiv seeks to preserve sovereignty, counter Moscow-friendly terms, and reassure a population facing hardship and political instability.
Russia: Though not present in Florida, Moscow will engage next as Witkoff travels to meet Russian counterparts. Russia maintains firm territorial demands and has been slow to offer concessions.
Zelenskiy’s Government: Under strain from corruption probes and military setbacks, it must navigate peace talks without losing public trust or political legitimacy.
U.S. Allies: Watching closely as negotiations could set precedents for Western security commitments and future U.S.-Russia dynamics.
What’s Next
Witkoff heads to Moscow this week for crucial follow-up talks that will reveal how far Russia is willing to engage. Ukraine and the U.S. are expected to continue refining proposals based on counter-offers presented in Geneva. Kyiv insists it will not accept a “bad deal,” even as the humanitarian and military situation worsens. The next phase of diplomacy will determine whether progress in Florida can translate into a viable negotiation track or stall amid deep strategic divides.
With information from Reuters.