A Ukrainian delegation has arrived in Miami for bilateral talks with US representatives, as Kyiv and Washington prepare to discuss security guarantees, sanctions policy and the next steps in diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The meeting comes amid intensified political dialogue between the two countries and follows repeated delays to broader trilateral negotiations involving Russia.
Composition of the Ukrainian delegation
According to Ukrinform, the Ukrainian delegation includes several senior officials involved in national security and political negotiations.
The team is led by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and includes Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov, First Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Sergiy Kyslytsya, and Servant of the People parliamentary faction leader Davyd Arakhamia.
US representatives in the talks
The American side is expected to be represented by White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
The talks are set to take place on Saturday and are expected to focus on key areas of cooperation between Kyiv and Washington.
Focus on security guarantees and sanctions
Ukrainian officials are expected to raise issues related to air defense, ongoing military support and broader security arrangements between the two countries.
Discussions are also likely to cover sanctions against Russia and potential agreements aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s long-term security and post-war recovery.
Zelensky has indicated that Kyiv may also propose cooperation with the United States on drone production as part of broader defense-industrial partnerships.
Preparations for future negotiations
Zelensky said the decision to send the Ukrainian delegation to the United States was aimed at reviving stalled diplomatic efforts.
“There was a pause in negotiations, it is time to end it,” Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine is “doing everything to ensure that the negotiations are truly meaningful.”
The Miami meeting is also expected to serve as a preparatory step for future trilateral talks involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said earlier this week that trilateral talks between Russia, the United States and Ukraine are currently on pause.
“The trilateral group is on pause,” Peskov said, adding that contacts between Moscow and Kyiv continue on humanitarian issues such as prisoner exchanges and the return of fallen soldiers.
Zelensky has said the Ukrainian side intends to discuss possible dates and formats for the next round of negotiations, which had previously been postponed.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the current talks in the United States are strictly bilateral and do not involve Russian participation.
Talks delayed amid Middle East tensions
Diplomatic efforts to advance negotiations on ending the war have faced delays in recent weeks.
Ukrainian and US officials had earlier considered holding further talks, including discussions on a potential peace framework, in early March.
However, the escalation of the war involving the US and Israel against Iran has disrupted the diplomatic timeline, pushing back planned meetings and complicating coordination between the parties.
The Miami talks are now seen as a step toward resuming negotiations under adjusted conditions, with Kyiv seeking to secure continued Western support while exploring paths toward a future settlement.