U.S. and Ukraine Hold Miami Talks, Envoy Set for Moscow Follow‑up
Updated (2 articles)
Miami Meeting Brings U.S., Ukrainian Leaders Together U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s National Security Council, in Miami on Thursday, a session arranged by the White House to advance security and peace negotiations [1][2]. The talks followed a five‑hour meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Witkoff in Moscow earlier that week, which produced no compromise on troop withdrawals or territorial control [1]. Both outlets note the Miami gathering as the latest high‑level diplomatic effort after the Moscow session.
Ukrainian Delegation Reports Positive Momentum Umerov described the Miami talks as “productive and successful,” building on earlier Geneva discussions, while President Volodymyr Zelensky called the weekend meetings “very constructive” and announced a follow‑up session in Paris [2]. In contrast, the BBC recorded Ukrainian officials saying progress was limited and that negotiations remained ongoing [1]. This discrepancy highlights differing internal assessments of the talks’ effectiveness.
U.S. Officials Plan Immediate Return to Moscow Witkoff is scheduled to travel back to Moscow on Monday for a second meeting with Putin, according to a U.S. official cited by CNN [2]. The Kremlin reiterated that the earlier Moscow talks yielded no agreement on key issues [1], while President Donald Trump labeled those talks “reasonably good” but cautioned that outcomes were still uncertain [1]. The rapid return underscores the United States’ intent to keep diplomatic pressure on both sides.
Key Sticking Points Remain Over Territory and Troop Withdrawal Putin publicly demanded that Ukrainian forces withdraw from the Donbas region or face forced liberation, presenting a binary choice for Kyiv [1]. Ukraine insists any ceasefire must respect the current front lines and refuses to cede any territory not already occupied by Russian forces [2]. Russia maintains that the war will end only if Ukrainian troops pull back from occupied areas, keeping the territorial question at the core of negotiations.
International Pressure Emphasized as Essential for Settlement Zelensky warned that any durable peace must be backed by sustained pressure on Russia, urging the world to seize the “real opportunity” to end the war [1]. Trump expressed optimism about reaching a deal but echoed the need for both parties to engage, noting “it does take two to tango” [1]. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the talks as delicate and stressed Russia’s central role, indicating that U.S. diplomatic efforts will intensify in the coming week [2].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
BBC: US and Ukraine Negotiators to Meet in Miami After Moscow Talks: outlines the Miami meeting, Kremlin’s lack of compromise, Putin’s Donbas demand, and Zelensky’s call for pressure, emphasizing limited progress
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[2]
CNN: Trump Optimistic About Ending Ukraine War After Miami Talks: highlights Trump’s optimism, Rubio’s caution, upcoming Moscow meeting, Umerov’s praise of productivity, and Ukraine’s ceasefire conditions, focusing on diplomatic momentum
Timeline
Nov 30, 2025 – President Donald Trump tells reporters aboard Air Force One that the high‑level Miami meeting “is going along well” and that there is a “good chance” a deal could end Russia’s war in Ukraine, signalling strong U.S. optimism and putting pressure on both sides to reach a settlement[2].
Nov 30, 2025 – Secretary of State Marco Rubio describes the Miami session as “delicate, complicated” and warns that any agreement must involve Russia, underscoring the central role Moscow will play in any peace framework[2].
Dec 2, 2025 – Special Envoy Steve Witkoff flies to Moscow for a scheduled meeting with President Vladimir Putin, continuing the diplomatic push that began in Geneva and testing the limits of the 28‑point blueprint he helped draft[2].
Dec 2, 2025 – President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking from Paris, calls the weekend talks “very constructive” and announces a follow‑up meeting in Paris on Monday, showing Ukraine’s intent to translate Miami discussions into concrete European coordination[2].
Dec 2, 2025 – Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, hails the Miami delegation as “productive and successful,” reinforcing Kyiv’s demand for a sovereign, prosperous future backed by U.S. support[2].
Dec 2, 2025 – Ukraine publicly insists that any ceasefire must respect the current front lines and rejects any concession of territory not already occupied by Russian forces, drawing a firm line that will shape forthcoming negotiations[2].
Dec 2, 2025 – In Moscow, Putin and Witkoff hold a five‑hour session that yields “no compromise” on key issues such as troop withdrawals and territorial control, highlighting the deep gaps that still separate the parties[1].
Dec 3, 2025 – In an interview with India Today, Putin declares a binary choice for Ukraine: “either we liberate Donbas by force or Ukrainian troops must leave the region,” a stark warning that raises the stakes for Kyiv and its allies[1].
Dec 3, 2025 – President Zelensky urges the international community to apply “pressure on Russia” to secure a durable settlement, emphasizing that diplomatic momentum alone will not end the conflict[1].
Dec 4, 2025 – President Trump describes the Moscow negotiations as “reasonably good” but cautions that “it does take two to tango,” reflecting cautious optimism while reminding both sides that a final deal remains uncertain[1].
Dec 4, 2025 – Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia accuses Putin of “wasting the world’s time,” and Ambassador Olga Stefanishyna notes that the talks have made “not too much progress,” underscoring Kyiv’s frustration and the need for continued diplomatic effort[1].
Dec 4, 2025 – Special Envoy Steve Witkoff meets Rustem Umerov in Miami to continue negotiations on Ukraine’s security and peace terms, marking the next step in a series of high‑level talks aimed at ending the war[1].