U.S., Russian negotiators to meet in Miami to discuss Ukraine war
by Danielle Haynes · UPIDec. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. and Russian officials were scheduled to meet this weekend in Miami to discuss a path toward ending the war in Ukraine, White House officials said Thursday.
The unnamed sources spoke to Politico, The Hill and Axios on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitive nature of the negotiations.
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's adviser and son-in-law, were expected to participate in the talks to end a war that began nearly four years ago with Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
White House officials said they were optimistic this weekend's meeting would result in an agreement. Previous talks resulted in about "90%" consensus on terms, the officials told The Hill.
Those terms included a multi-national force deployed to Ukraine to respond to acts of aggression against the country in the future. Earlier this week, European leaders pledged to provide military support to Ukraine in protection against Russia, however Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky conceded over the weekend his country may have to give up its dream of joining NATO to end the war.
As peace talks have gone on, U.S. negotiators have put pressure on Ukraine to make more concessions to Russia, which has remained staunch in its demands, which including giving up land. Politico reported that the Trump administration believes Russia will accept EU membership for Ukraine as well as offers of mutual defense from the United States and European countries.
Ukrainians march through London to mark anniversary of Russian invasion
Ukrainians march together through the streets of London to the Russian Embassy to mark the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2023. Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI | License Photo