Ukraine-US Talks Continue: Zelensky on Diplomacy & Russia’s War End Game
Ukrainian and U.S. Delegations concluded a day of talks in Miami, Florida, on Thursday, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stating that further discussions are planned for Friday, focused on assessing Russia’s willingness to pursue a genuine finish to the ongoing war. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, also included Head of the President’s Office Kyrylo Budanov, First Deputy Head of the President’s Office Serhiy Kyslytsya, and the head of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction, David Arakhamia.
Representing the U.S. Side were White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. Zelenskyy, in his evening video address, emphasized the importance of continued diplomacy, stating, “This proves crucial for all of us in the world that diplomacy continues and that we are working to end this war – Russia’s war against Ukraine. No one wants this war.”
The discussions centered on gauging Russia’s commitment to a peaceful resolution, particularly in light of escalating geopolitical tensions, including the situation in Iran, according to Zelenskyy. He indicated that his team would provide a detailed report following Friday’s continued discussions. “The key issue is to understand how ready Russia is to move toward a real end to the war, and whether it is ready to do so honestly and with dignity,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy revealed earlier this week that Ukraine is prepared to consider withdrawing troops from the eastern industrial heartland, the Donbas region, if Russia reciprocates and the area is established as a demilitarized zone monitored by international forces. This proposal represents a potential compromise regarding control of the Donbas, a major obstacle in previous peace negotiations.
The meetings in Miami follow a period of engagement between U.S. Envoys and both Ukrainian and Russian officials. Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, met with U.S. Representatives in Miami last weekend, according to reports. Zelenskyy also held a call with Witkoff and Kushner on Christmas Day, describing it as “a very excellent conversation” where they discussed “certain substantive details of the ongoing function” on a potential peace deal, though specific details were not disclosed. That call, lasting nearly an hour, followed a previous discussion on December 26 where Zelenskyy said he received “fresh ideas in terms of formats, meetings, and timing on how to bring a real peace closer.”
Umerov will continue discussions with the American team, Zelenskyy stated, as Ukraine seeks to advance its updated 20-point peace plan, initially agreed upon by U.S. And Ukrainian envoys in Florida. The Kremlin has indicated it is analyzing proposals brought back from the U.S. By a Russian envoy.