Ukraine’s top negotiator Umerov arrives in US for ceasefire talks

Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s top negotiator, has arrived in Miami for discussions with US officials, according to a source cited by Reuters, as diplomatic efforts to end the war with Russia remain deadlocked.

The talks come amid a prolonged pause in meaningful progress on a US-brokered peace process, which has struggled to bridge differences between Kyiv and Moscow over territory in eastern Ukraine.

Negotiations have been largely centred on the status of the Donetsk region, with Russia insisting that Ukraine withdraw from parts of the territory it still controls. Ukraine has rejected any suggestion of territorial concessions.

US engagement has continued through special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, though previous plans for them to visit Ukraine earlier this year did not materialise, according to the report.

Washington’s attention has also appeared to shift amid wider international developments, including the conflict involving Iran.

US President Donald Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on 29 April, during which the two reportedly discussed the possibility of a ceasefire.

Moscow has since proposed a short ceasefire over May 8-9, coinciding with its Victory Day commemorations, while Ukraine has called instead for an open-ended truce starting earlier in the month.

The last known round of trilateral talks involving Ukraine, Russia and US representatives took place in February in Geneva. Since then, contact has largely been limited to separate meetings between each side and US officials.

Neither Kyiv nor Moscow has publicly indicated any breakthrough from the latest diplomatic efforts.

By Aghakazim Guliyev