US President Donald Trump’s envoys will meet Ukrainian negotiators and European officials in Miami on Friday to discuss fresh proposals aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The meeting will involve Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who are expected to present proposals developed during recent engagements with Russian and Ukrainian representatives.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the planned talks on Thursday, saying the discussions would last two days. He also expressed hope that European officials would participate alongside Ukraine’s delegation.
Zelensky said Ukraine would be represented by his chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, alongside senior officials Rustem Umerov, Sergiy Kyslytsya and David Arakhamia.
The latest diplomatic initiative comes amid continued efforts to secure a peace agreement, with previous negotiations making limited progress as Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine continues.
The Miami meeting follows recent visits to Moscow and Kyiv by Witkoff and Kushner as Washington seeks to advance negotiations and find a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
A US source familiar with the discussions told AFP that the American envoys would present proposals based on their recent engagements with both sides.
National security advisers from the United Kingdom, France and Germany have also been invited to the talks, alongside representatives of NATO and the European Union.
US officials said the discussions would cover security guarantees for Ukraine, plans for its post-war economic recovery and other issues linked to the conflict.
European concerns over rising energy costs are also expected to feature on the agenda as governments prepare for winter amid uncertainty over the war and its economic consequences.
One US source warned that the coming winter could be difficult if the conflict continues, adding that Washington was working to bring the parties together to develop a common proposal.
Last week, Zelensky said the United States was seeking to revive peace negotiations by arranging another round of talks between Ukraine and Russia before the end of October.
The Kremlin also indicated last month that trilateral discussions aimed at ending the war could take place in October.
However, previous negotiations have failed to produce a breakthrough, with Moscow maintaining demands that have complicated efforts to reach a settlement.
Trump said earlier this week that he had a telephone conversation planned with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The call was expected to focus on reports concerning the death of a researcher at a Russian plague laboratory.
Witkoff was also seen travelling aboard Air Force One with Trump on Wednesday during a trip to Texas, as the US administration continued its diplomatic efforts to find a path towards ending the war in Ukraine.
Goodness Anunobi
Follow us on:
