Ukraine's Top Negotiator in Miami as Peace Talks with Russia Remain Deadlocked
Stalled Peace Negotiations and Diplomatic Efforts
Ukraine's Diplomatic Outreach in the United States
KYIV, May 7 (Reuters) - Ukraine's top negotiator, Rustem Umerov, has arrived in Miami for a meeting with U.S. representatives, a source said, as peace talks on ending Russia's war in Ukraine have stalled in recent months.
Missed Opportunities and Shifting U.S. Priorities
Kyiv hoped U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would travel to Ukraine earlier this spring, but the visit never happened. Washington's focus has largely moved away from Ukraine amid the war in Iran.
Deadlock Over Donetsk Region
The source did not provide additional details. The U.S.-brokered talks are deadlocked over Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. Moscow demands Kyiv pull troops back from parts of the region it has failed to capture in its four-year full-scale invasion. Ukraine says it will not cede land that it controls.
Breakdown of Previous Negotiations
The last round of trilateral Ukraine-Russia talks involving U.S. representatives took place in February. Ukrainian and Russian representatives have only had separate talks with the U.S. team since.
International Leaders' Involvement
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin held a call on April 29 discussing a potential ceasefire.
Ceasefire Proposals and Ongoing Tensions
Russia's Ceasefire Announcement
Russia announced a ceasefire for May 8 to 9, when it celebrates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany and holds a military parade in Moscow, an event of high significance for the Kremlin.
Ukraine's Response and Counter-Proposal
Ukraine said Russia only wanted a ceasefire to protect its parade, as it worries about Ukrainian drone attacks, and offered an open-ended ceasefire starting on May 6.
Escalation and Accusations
Neither side agreed to the proposals. Russia threatened to strike central Kyiv if Ukraine attacked Moscow. Kyiv accused Russia of violating the ceasefire, saying it would mirror Russia's actions.
(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Toby Chopra and Alex Richardson)
