The Ukrainian delegation includes, among others, the head of the president's office Kyrylo Budanov and Secretary of the National Security Council Rustem Umerov. The negotiations will take place against the backdrop of intensified Russian strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure.
On Saturday, January 17, a delegation from Ukraine arrived in the U.S. for a new round of negotiations with American mediators regarding the cessation of the war waged against it by Russia. The delegation includes the head of the Ukrainian president's office, Kyrylo Budanov, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov, and the leader of the parliamentary faction of the Servant of the People party, David Arakhamia.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Ukraine on possible ways to end the war will continue the same day in Miami. According to the Ukrainian side, the main focus will be on issues of security guarantees and the long-term economic development of Ukraine.
Washington's mediation efforts have been ongoing for several weeks, but on key issues such as Ukraine's potential NATO membership and Russia's territorial claims, the positions of Moscow and Kyiv still diverge significantly. The Russian side insists on maximalist demands that, according to Kyiv, are tantamount to Ukraine's capitulation.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump again accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of dragging out peace negotiations. Zelensky, in turn, has repeatedly called for increased pressure on Moscow. He also stated that a bilateral document with the U.S. regarding security guarantees for Ukraine is generally ready for finalization at the highest level.
Discussion of Agreements Worth Hundreds of Billions of Euros
Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Olga Stefanishina reported that work is planned in Miami on agreements regarding security guarantees and "the economic recovery of Ukraine" amounting to up to 690 billion euros. If developments are favorable, the signing of the documents could take place as early as next week at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The Russian side is not participating in the negotiations in Miami, but a trip by American officials to Moscow is expected soon. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously stated that Russia is counting on the visit of U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Steve Whitcoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner to discuss ways to end the war. Both had already visited Moscow in early December to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky Warns of the Threat of New Strikes
The day before, Volodymyr Zelensky, in an evening address to the nation, warned of the risk of new massive Russian airstrikes. He complained about a lack of air defense resources and urged the West to expedite their delivery.
Amid severe frosts, with nighttime temperatures dropping to minus 20 degrees in several regions, Ukraine is facing serious disruptions in energy supply. Russian missile and drone strikes on energy infrastructure have led to power and heating outages in many regions. The situation remains particularly challenging in Kyiv, where emergency power outages have been implemented in recent days.
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