Ukraine peace talks in Miami proceeding ‘constructively,’ Russian envoy says

Monday, December 22, 2025 -In Miami this weekend, high‑stakes diplomatic negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s nearly four‑year war in Ukraine have been described as “constructive” by a senior Russian envoy, offering a rare note of optimism amid continuing conflict. 

Kremlin representative Kirill Dmitriev told reporters that peace discussions with U.S. envoys, part of a U.S.-proposed peace plan, have been moving forward and are expected to continue into Sunday, signaling continued engagement between Washington and Moscow on the deeply complex issue. While these talks do not yet involve direct Ukraine‑Russia bilateral negotiations, they form part of a broader effort to chart a path toward de‑escalation.

U.S. negotiators, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have also highlighted productive and constructive discussions with Ukrainian and European representatives on aligning strategic goals and frameworks that prioritize stopping hostilities, ensuring security guarantees for Ukraine, and setting the foundation for stability and recovery. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said diplomatic efforts are progressing quickly, even as he urges stronger pressure on Moscow to make genuine concessions and maintain Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Despite the upbeat diplomatic language, major disagreements remain unresolved — especially over territory and security guarantees — and no formal breakthrough has been announced. Russia’s insistence on holding territory it captured, Ukraine’s firm rejection of any settlement that undermines its sovereignty, and differing views on how to structure future negotiations mean the peace process still faces steep hurdles. 

Still, the Miami talks mark a significant phase of continued engagement that could help set the stage for future progress if all sides can translate “constructive” discussions into concrete, mutually acceptable steps toward ending the war.