Ukraine’s chief negotiator is in Miami for discussions, according to a source
Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s chief negotiator, has landed in Miami for discussions with U.S. officials, according to a source, as peace negotiations aimed at resolving Russia’s war in Ukraine have faced significant delays in recent months.
Kyiv anticipated that U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would make a trip to Ukraine earlier this spring; however, the visit did not take place. Washington’s attention has significantly shifted from Ukraine in light of the ongoing conflict in Iran.
The source failed to offer further details. The negotiations facilitated by the U.S. have reached an impasse regarding Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. Moscow is insisting that Kyiv withdraw its troops from areas of the region that have remained unseized during its four-year full-scale invasion. Ukraine asserts that it will not relinquish any territory under its control.
The most recent round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and U.S. representatives occurred in February. Since then, representatives from Ukraine and Russia have engaged in discussions solely with the U.S. team separately.
On April 29, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin engaged in a call to discuss the possibility of a ceasefire.
Russia has declared a ceasefire for May 8 to 9, coinciding with its celebration of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany and the military parade in Moscow, an event of great importance for the Kremlin.
Ukraine stated that Russia’s desire for a ceasefire is solely to safeguard its parade amid concerns over potential Ukrainian drone strikes and proposed an open-ended ceasefire beginning on May 6.
Both parties did not reach an agreement on the proposals. Russia has issued a warning that it will target central Kyiv should Ukraine launch an attack on Moscow. Kyiv has accused Russia of breaching the ceasefire, asserting that it would reflect Russia’s actions.
