Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov has indicated that the United States has made several “interesting” proposals to Moscow regarding the resolution of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite this, Ushakov noted that these proposals have yet to be acted upon. He also suggested that the US possesses the capability to exert influence over Kyiv.
On March 21 and 22, negotiations took place in Miami between delegations from the US and Ukraine, part of Washington’s efforts to facilitate a peace agreement. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, arrived in Miami on the morning of March 21. Accompanying him were key figures including Kirill Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, and David Arakhamia, head of the parliamentary faction “Servant of the People.”
Following the first day of talks, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the Ukrainian delegation had met with representatives of President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Umerov emphasized that significant attention during these discussions was given to aligning approaches for achieving practical outcomes.
Earlier, Kremlin officials had stated that Russia would not participate in the latest peace negotiations concerning the conditions for ending the conflict with Ukraine in the United States. On the second day of discussions, Umerov revealed that the Ukrainian team focused on establishing reliable security guarantees and humanitarian issues, particularly the exchange and return of Ukrainian citizens.
On the same day, Zelensky mentioned that he had received a report from the Ukrainian delegation, noting signals indicating a potential continuation of exchanges, which he described as a positive sign of diplomatic progress.
On March 23, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff characterized the negotiations as “constructive,” highlighting their focus on critical issues related to establishing a sustainable and reliable security framework for Ukraine, as well as essential humanitarian measures in the region.
Earlier, on February 17 and 18, a trilateral round of negotiations was held in Geneva involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia concerning the end of the war. Umerov reported that after a joint session, the delegations continued their discussions in smaller groups, concentrating on practical issues and potential solutions.
During the same period, Umerov held a separate meeting in Geneva with representatives from the US, France, the UK, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland to discuss the outcomes of the first day of talks and synchronize approaches for future steps.
Witkoff noted significant progress from the first day of the trilateral negotiations, stating that both sides agreed to provide updated information to their leaders and continue working towards a peace agreement.
The second day of talks on February 18 was described by Umerov as involving “intensive and substantive” discussions. He indicated that both political and military tracks were being addressed, including security parameters and mechanisms for implementing potential agreements. Some issues were clarified while others remained for further coordination.
Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky characterized the negotiations as “difficult but businesslike.” President Zelensky stated that the parties had achieved a degree of “constructiveness” regarding monitoring ceasefire compliance, with the US expected to play a role in this process.
On the same day, Budanov expressed that a new meeting would be scheduled in the near future following the trilateral negotiations in Geneva.
Recent discussions between the US and Ukraine have focused on potential peace proposals, with Russian officials acknowledging American influence in the negotiations. The talks in Miami and Geneva highlight ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, although Russia has opted out of certain negotiations.