Ukraine envoy in US to revive stalled Russia peace talks

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press
KYIV, UKRAINE — Ukraine’s top negotiator Rustem Umerov is holding talks in the United States aimed at reviving diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s full-scale war, as Kyiv seeks progress on prisoner exchanges, security guarantees and defense cooperation.

According to journalist Gavin Blackburn’s report, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Umerov would meet representatives of the U.S. president in Florida. The talks come after months of limited progress in U.S.-mediated efforts to bring Moscow and Kyiv closer to a ceasefire or broader settlement.

Umerov begins new US contacts

Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, is expected to meet U.S. officials in Florida to discuss possible steps toward ending the war.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine had already identified its key tasks for the talks. These include possible prisoner exchanges with Russia, postwar security guarantees for Ukraine and further defense coordination with Western partners.

The renewed contact is being watched closely because diplomatic efforts have slowed in recent months. Washington’s focus shifted toward the war with Iran in February, leaving the Ukraine peace process with little visible progress.

Prisoner exchange on the agenda

One of the central topics in the talks is expected to be a possible prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia.

Prisoner swaps have remained one of the few areas where limited communication between the two sides has continued throughout the war. Kyiv has repeatedly said the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war and detained civilians is one of its main humanitarian priorities.

Umerov’s meetings are expected to explore whether the U.S. can help create new momentum on this issue. For Ukraine, any progress on prisoner exchanges would carry both humanitarian and political significance.

Security guarantees remain central

Another key issue is Ukraine’s demand for security guarantees after the war.

Kyiv argues that any ceasefire or settlement must do more than freeze the fighting. Ukrainian officials say the country needs concrete guarantees to prevent a future Russian attack.

This issue has become one of the most difficult parts of the diplomatic process. Ukraine wants long-term security arrangements backed by Western partners, while Russia continues to oppose Ukraine’s deeper integration with Western defense structures.

Zelenskyy has repeatedly said that Ukraine cannot accept an agreement that leaves the country exposed to renewed aggression.

Drone cooperation also discussed

Zelenskyy said he and Umerov also discussed drone agreements with European partners.

Drones have become one of the most important weapons of the war. Ukraine has used unmanned systems for reconnaissance, battlefield targeting, air defense support and long-range strikes. Kyiv has also expanded domestic drone production while seeking more cooperation with European allies.

The Ukrainian president said new technological steps are being prepared alongside agreements reached at the highest political level. These efforts are part of Ukraine’s wider strategy to strengthen its defense industry and improve battlefield resilience.

US-mediated process has slowed

Since returning to office, U.S. President Donald Trump has pressed Moscow and Kyiv to negotiate. However, months of talks have not yet brought the sides close to an agreement capable of ending the fighting.

Umerov last met U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner in Florida on March 21-22. Despite those contacts, the diplomatic track has remained largely stalled.

The process became even more complicated after U.S. and Israeli air operations against Iran began in late February. Washington’s attention shifted toward the Middle East, pushing the Ukraine file lower on the diplomatic agenda.

Territory remains the hardest issue

The main obstacle to a settlement remains the territorial dispute between Ukraine and Russia.

Ukraine has proposed freezing the conflict along the current front lines as a possible step toward halting the fighting. Russia has rejected that approach and continues to demand the entire Donetsk region, even though part of the area remains under Ukrainian control.

Kyiv says that demand is unacceptable. Ukrainian officials insist that the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be traded away under pressure.

This gap between the two sides remains one of the biggest barriers to meaningful progress, even if U.S.-brokered talks regain momentum.

Kremlin announces Victory Day ceasefire

The diplomatic contacts come as the Kremlin announced a two-day ceasefire to cover Russia’s May 9 Victory Day commemorations.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the ceasefire would cover May 8 and May 9. The announcement followed earlier Russian rejection of a Ukrainian ceasefire proposal.

Zelenskyy has criticized Moscow’s offer, calling it cynical for Russia to seek a pause for patriotic ceremonies while continuing daily attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Kyiv argues that a real ceasefire should not be limited to symbolic dates. Ukrainian officials say Russia could stop firing immediately if it genuinely wanted to end the war.

Moscow scales down parade plans

Russia’s Victory Day parade is expected to be more limited this year because of security concerns.

The Kremlin reportedly decided not to display military equipment at the parade amid fears that the event could be targeted by Ukraine. The decision reflects the pressure Moscow faces even during one of its most symbolic annual ceremonies.

Russia has also warned foreign diplomats in Kyiv that it could strike the Ukrainian capital if Ukraine targets the Victory Day parade.

The warning has added another layer of tension as both sides prepare for a politically sensitive period.

Diplomatic path remains uncertain

Umerov’s meetings in the United States may help restart parts of the diplomatic process, but major obstacles remain.

Ukraine is seeking prisoner exchanges, defense cooperation and long-term security guarantees. Russia continues to demand territorial concessions that Kyiv rejects. Meanwhile, the United States is balancing the Ukraine file with other international crises, including the conflict with Iran.

The next phase of diplomacy will depend on whether Washington can bring renewed focus to the talks and whether Moscow shows any willingness to move beyond its current demands.

For now, Ukraine is using the U.S. meetings to keep diplomatic channels active while continuing to strengthen its defense partnerships.

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