Putin's Envoy Holds “Constructive” Meeting with US Delegation in Florida

(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin’s envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, said he held a “constructive” meeting with a US delegation in Florida on Saturday, ahead of a new round of Russia-Ukraine talks scheduled for Sunday. Dmitriev arrived in the US quietly earlier that day and posted a map on social media showing his plane approaching Miami.

“Constructive meeting with the US peacemaking delegation. Productive discussion also on the U.S.–Russia Economic Working Group,” Dmitriev wrote on X.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff described the session as “productive,” part of Washington’s mediation efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict. He added that the talks suggested Moscow was “working toward securing peace” and thanked President Donald Trump for his “critical leadership” in pursuing a lasting settlement. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Jared Kushner, and White House Senior Advisor Josh Gruenbaum also attended the meeting.

The Florida talks preceded a new round of US-mediated negotiations in Abu Dhabi. The previous round, held January 23-24 in a trilateral format, was described as “very constructive” by all parties. Negotiators said territorial disputes remain the key obstacle. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted the issue is “still a bridge we haven’t crossed” but said efforts are ongoing to reconcile both sides’ positions. Moscow demands Ukraine withdraw from Donbass regions that voted to join Russia in 2022 referendums and recognize new borders including Crimea, while Kiev has rejected territorial concessions.

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