US and Ukrainian officials have described recent Miami talks aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war as “productive and constructive,” though no major breakthroughs were achieved to advance peace between Moscow and Kyiv.

The discussions lasted three days and involved US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Ukraine’s top negotiator Rustem Umerov, and European officials, focusing on aligning positions regarding the 20-point peace plan, multilateral security guarantees, US security frameworks for Ukraine, and an economic and prosperity plan.

Separate US-Russia Talks

Alongside the Ukraine meetings, separate discussions took place between US officials and Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev. Witkoff described these meetings as “productive and constructive,” emphasizing that Russia remains committed to achieving peace in Ukraine, according to US sources. Dmitriev returned to Moscow to brief President Vladimir Putin on the proposed settlement framework.

Although speculation about a three-way summit involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine circulated, Moscow dismissed these suggestions, indicating that direct talks between all parties are not imminent.

Ongoing Challenges in Negotiations

The Miami talks follow weeks of intensive diplomacy triggered by the leak of a 28-point US peace plan last month, which caused alarm among Ukraine and European allies due to perceptions that it favored Russia. Major sticking points remain, including Moscow’s insistence on territorial concessions in the Donbas region—areas Ukraine has not yet lost militarily.

US intelligence reports continue to warn that President Vladimir Putin aims to capture all of Ukraine and reclaim parts of Europe once under Soviet influence, though Kremlin officials dispute these assessments. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called the intelligence claims “absolutely inaccurate,” and Putin himself told the BBC that Russia would not pursue further military operations if treated with respect.

Escalation of Military Activity

While diplomatic channels advance slowly, fighting continues on the ground. Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine’s southern region of Odesa, striking port and energy infrastructure to disrupt Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea and logistics routes to Moldova.

In retaliation, Ukrainian drones damaged two vessels and two piers in Russia’s Krasnodar region, sparking a large fire, although Russian authorities reported all crew were safely evacuated. Reports indicate that oil infrastructure may have been targeted in the strike.

Diplomatic and Strategic Outlook

Despite the lack of an immediate agreement, both Ukrainian and US officials emphasize the importance of continued dialogue. Witkoff and Umerov jointly stated:

“Our shared priority is to stop the killing, ensure guaranteed security, and create conditions for Ukraine’s recovery, stability, and long-term prosperity.”

The Miami talks mark another step in the ongoing US-led diplomatic efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict, balancing territorial disputes, international security guarantees, and economic recovery measures.