URGENT UPDATE: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, has just announced “constructive” talks in Miami with senior U.S. officials, including key figures tied to former President Donald Trump. This development underscores a crucial moment in backchannel diplomacy aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Sources indicate that Dmitriev is engaged in discussions with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, and Jared Kushner, the former president’s son-in-law. The talks, which began on October 13, 2023, focus on a proposed U.S. peace plan that may require Ukraine to cede control of parts of the contested Donbass region to Russia, freeze military front lines in the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, and agree to a neutral stance regarding NATO.
In exchange, Ukraine is expected to receive substantial security guarantees from Western allies, marking a significant shift in the diplomatic landscape. Dmitriev emphasized the forward momentum, stating, “The discussions are proceeding constructively. We will continue today, and will also continue tomorrow.” His comments came around 5 PM local time on Friday, providing a glimpse into the ongoing negotiations.
However, Dmitriev has also voiced concerns about coordinated media attacks aimed at undermining these talks. He described Witkoff as a “great peacemaker” in a post on social media platform X, criticizing what he termed the “war lobby and fake media” for intensifying their opposition as negotiations approach potential breakthroughs.
This diplomatic push in Miami coincides with increasing involvement from European powers, as officials from Germany, France, and the UK reportedly engage in parallel consultations aimed at setting up a framework for security guarantees for Ukraine. These developments come after recent discussions in Berlin, highlighting the urgency and complexity of the situation.
Moscow has consistently argued that any lasting peace must address the underlying issues of the conflict, including Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership and recognition of new territorial realities established during the war. In a recent proposal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested the possibility of a referendum on territorial concessions, a move that Moscow quickly dismissed as a tactic to prolong the conflict.
As these negotiations unfold, the stakes are incredibly high—not just for the involved nations, but for the global community watching closely as peace efforts gather pace. What happens next in Miami will be pivotal. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
