U.S. Hosts Separate Talks with Ukrainian and Russian Delegations in Miami

U.S. officials convened separate meetings with Ukrainian-European and Russian delegations in Miami on December 19 and 20, respectively, to explore avenues for resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. On December 19, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and former Senior Advisor Jared Kushner met with Ukrainian Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and Chief of the General Staff Major General Andriy Hnatov. European representatives from Germany, France, and the UK also participated in these discussions.

Following this, on December 20, Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO Kirill Dmitriev arrived in Miami to engage with Witkoff and Kushner. A Russian source indicated that no meeting between Dmitriev and the Ukrainian delegation was planned.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the necessity for both Russia and Ukraine to make compromises to end the war. He stated that negotiations would require both sides to "give something" and that the United States is working to determine "what both sides are prepared to give."

In parallel, Ukrainian forces conducted strikes on Russian military and oil assets. The Security Service of Ukraine reported targeting two Russian Su-27 fighter jets at the Belbek Airbase near Sevastopol, Crimea, resulting in the destruction of one aircraft. Additionally, Ukrainian drones struck a Russian patrol boat near an oil and gas field in the Caspian Sea.

These developments underscore the ongoing diplomatic efforts and military actions as parties seek a resolution to the conflict.