Ukraine and US to hold third day of talks, acknowledge 'real progress' hinges on Russia

Ukrainian and American officials are meeting for a third consecutive day in Miami, with both sides acknowledging that meaningful advancement hinges on Russia's willingness to halt the conflict. The discussions involve Steve Witkoff, President Trump's special envoy, and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law, engaging with Ukraines lead negotiator Rustem Umerov and Andrii Hnatov, chief of staff of Kyiv's armed forces.

The meetings follow Witkoff and Kushner's Tuesday visit to Moscow, where they consulted Russian President Vladimir Putin on a US proposal to resolve the war, which Russia partially rejected.

According to a statement shared by Witkoff on X, "Both sides concurred that genuine progress toward any agreement relies on Russia demonstrating a sincere commitment to long-term peace, including measures to reduce tensions and stop violence."

The US and Ukrainian representatives also discussed security frameworks and necessary deterrence measures to ensure lasting stability. Washingtons approach includes Ukraine conceding territory not currently controlled by Russia in exchange for security guarantees, though these assurances fall short of Kyivs NATO ambitions. Details of the guarantees remain unclear, except for preliminary proposals allowing defensive aircraft to be stationed in Poland.

The plan has undergone multiple revisions since its introduction last month, amid early critiques of being too lenient toward Russia. Witkoff and Kushner aimed to secure Putins cooperation but left Moscow without a finalized agreement.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov described the five-hour late-night meeting in Moscow as cordial, noting that Kushners participation has been beneficial. He said on Russian state television that Putin and Witkoff "had a genuinely friendly conversation and understand each other well."

On the Ukrainian side, presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak emphasized that diplomacy mostly unfolds behind the scenes. He stated, "Ukraine is committed to ending the war and remains open to negotiations," and added that the US seeks a practical approach requiring compromises from both sides.

Trump characterized the envoys meeting with Putin as "reasonably good," noting a positive impression that the Russian leader desires an end to the war. Despite his mixed stance on Ukraine since returning to office, Trump has also imposed sanctions on Russian oil companies after previous efforts to secure a peace deal proved unsuccessful.

Putin, currently in India meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, described the negotiations as complex but expressed willingness to consider Trumps plan rather than block it. Meanwhile, Russian troops continue advancing along the front line against Ukrainian forces.

Regional governor Mykola Kalashnyk reported on Telegram that Moscow launched intensive drone and missile attacks on the Kyiv area early Saturday, injuring three people. Russias defense ministry stated that it intercepted and destroyed 116 Ukrainian drones overnight.

Author: Benjamin Carter