Ushakov later told Russian media the exchange had been “useful,” noting that some American ideas were “more or less acceptable” while others drew a “critical, even negative” response from the Russian delegation. He confirmed that no compromise was reached on Ukraine but said both sides agreed to continue discussions.
One day after the Kremlin meeting, Witkoff and Kushner invited Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov to Miami for additional talks scheduled for Thursday. The invitation signals Washington’s intent to maintain momentum, even without an immediate breakthrough in Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv that his negotiators would first brief European leaders in Brussels and then prepare for sessions with the American envoys. Army chief Andrii Hnatov is expected to join Umerov in those consultations.
The broader peace initiative began last month when a 28-point draft plan was shown to Kyiv. European partners subsequently trimmed the proposal to 19 points, but the current version has not been published. Analysts say the negotiations now revolve around two core issues: territorial control in eastern Ukraine and long-term security guarantees for Kyiv.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who did not travel to Moscow, told Fox News on Tuesday night that “some progress” had been achieved but that the parties were “still not close enough” to finalize a truce. Rubio identified Russia’s demand for a full Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donbas region as a principal obstacle. He estimated that the remaining contested area covers roughly 30–50 kilometers and about 20 percent of the Donetsk province.
Imagem: Internet
The secretary added that any settlement must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and enable economic recovery while ensuring the country is not invaded again. “Only Putin can end this war on the Russian side,” Rubio said, emphasizing that ultimate decisions rest with Moscow and Kyiv.
Independent analysts offered mixed assessments of the talks. John Hardie of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies argued that the Kremlin has not shown willingness to make concessions acceptable to Ukraine, suggesting U.S. diplomacy is unlikely to succeed unless Moscow alters its stance. Michael Froman, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, remarked in a televised interview that Putin may prefer to prolong negotiations to reopen wider discussions on Russia’s reintegration with the West while continuing military operations.
An overview published by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs indicates that hostilities have caused significant casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure since Russia’s large-scale invasion began in February 2022.
The White House has not disclosed when or whether Trump might personally meet Putin. For now, the administration expects Witkoff and Kushner to debrief officials in Washington after the Miami round and to determine if another visit to Moscow is warranted.
Trump reiterated that the United States is prepared to facilitate, but not dictate, a settlement. “It takes two to reach an agreement,” he told reporters, stressing that a cease-fire ultimately depends on decisions made in both capitals.
Crédito da imagem: Will Oliver / EPA / Shutterstock
