US and Ukraine Negotiators Set to Meet in Miami After Putin Talks

Negotiators from the United States and Ukraine are scheduled to meet in Miami on March 15, 2024, following discussions between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This meeting comes after a nearly five-hour conversation in Moscow, which the Kremlin described as yielding “no compromise” towards an end to the ongoing conflict.

In response to the talks, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia expressed frustration, accusing Putin of “wasting the world’s time” and underscoring the need for Russia to “end the bloodshed.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also noted the current window of opportunity for peace but emphasized that any agreement must be supported by ongoing pressure on Moscow.

Concerns have emerged among Ukrainian and European leaders that recent US peace proposals may have favored Russia too heavily. During the discussions, Putin’s foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, acknowledged that some proposals were “more or less acceptable,” while others faced significant opposition from the Russian leader. The primary sticking points remain the status of occupied Ukrainian territories and future security guarantees for Kyiv. Ukraine and its European allies advocate for NATO membership as a long-term security solution, a position that faces resistance from both Moscow and former US President Donald Trump.

Amid the negotiations, the Kremlin claims that recent military successes have bolstered its bargaining power. Russian forces assert they have captured the strategic city of Pokrovsk along with additional areas, although Ukrainian officials contend that the city remains contested and active fighting continues. Independent assessments indicate that Russia gained approximately 701 square kilometers of territory in November, now controlling about 19.3% of Ukraine.

Putin has signaled a willingness to continue dialogue with US envoys “as many times as needed” but criticized Europe for obstructing diplomatic efforts. He warned that Russia is “ready for war” if provoked, a statement that European leaders dismissed as “Kremlin claptrap.” NATO ministers meeting in Brussels acknowledged the importance of diplomatic engagement while reiterating the necessity for military support to ensure Ukraine can negotiate from a position of strength.

In a significant move, the European Union announced a comprehensive agreement to phase out all long-term Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, as part of a broader strategy to decrease reliance on Moscow. The EU also proposed raising €90 billion to enhance military and governmental support for Ukraine, despite concerns from Belgium and the European Central Bank regarding the use of frozen Russian assets for financing.

At the United Nations, the United States and 90 other countries have called for the immediate return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia during the conflict. Ukraine estimates that over 19,000 children have been taken, with the UK suggesting that at least 6,000 have been placed in “re-education” camps. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Putin related to these deportations, which Russia continues to deny.

As both sides prepare for the upcoming discussions, the international community remains watchful of developments that may ultimately shape the future of Ukraine and its ongoing conflict with Russia.