U.S. and Russian negotiators are preparing for high-stakes talks in Miami, Florida, this weekend to advance a peace deal aimed at resolving the nearly four-year Ukraine crisis, according to a Politico report published Wednesday. The discussions follow last weekend's Berlin meetings, where U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials reportedly bridged differences on 90% of a 20-point draft peace plan proposed by Washington.
Key figures expected to attend include U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner, while Russia's delegation will likely feature President Vladimir Putin's envoy Kirill Dmitriev. Ukrainian National Security Adviser Rustem Umerov is also scheduled to meet separately with U.S. representatives.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signaled openness to suspending NATO membership aspirations in exchange for Western security guarantees resembling NATO's Article 5 mutual defense clause. However, Washington has yet to commit to such assurances, leaving this a critical sticking point in negotiations.
If finalized, the agreement could mark a turning point in a conflict that has strained global security frameworks since 2022. Analysts caution that logistical challenges and unresolved details about territorial disputes and sanctions relief remain significant hurdles.
