A high-level Ukrainian delegation arrived in the United States on Saturday for what officials are describing as one of the most consequential diplomatic meetings since the start of the war with Russia. The group, which includes some of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s closest advisers, is expected to meet senior members of the Trump administration in Florida on Sunday.
The delegation is led by Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, whose role in previous negotiations has earned him a reputation as one of Kyiv’s most trusted strategists. Their departure from Poland was confirmed early Saturday after days of speculation about when and where the next round of talks would occur.
The meeting will be held at Trump National Doral, a private golf resort near Miami. According to U.S. officials familiar with the preparations, National Security Adviser James O’Brien and Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker will lead the American side. While the talks will be closed to the public, the White House has emphasized that the meeting is part of an ongoing diplomatic push to accelerate discussions toward a potential cease-fire.
The latest round of negotiations comes at a pivotal moment for Ukraine. Earlier this month, longtime chief negotiator David Arakhamia stepped down from his role, prompting Kyiv to reshuffle its diplomatic leadership. Although no official explanation was provided for Arakhamia’s departure, analysts say the change suggests Ukraine may be recalibrating its strategy ahead of deeper involvement from Washington.
Ahead of the trip, Zelenskyy’s office reiterated that any agreement must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “A just and lasting peace remains the only acceptable outcome,” a spokesperson said, noting that Kyiv continues to insist on the restoration of all territory occupied by Russian forces.
U.S. officials have described the upcoming talks as “exploratory,” but insiders say the Trump administration has been eager to assert a more direct role in shaping an eventual settlement. While expectations for an immediate breakthrough remain low, the presence of top-tier officials on both sides signals that the discussions are far from symbolic.
The delegation is expected to remain in the United States for at least 48 hours, with additional meetings possible depending on Sunday’s progress. For now, both governments are keeping details tightly guarded, but the rare face-to-face dialogue is being viewed internationally as a critical step toward ending one of the world’s most destructive conflicts.
