Dmitriev posted a brief message on social media stating, “Thank you, Miami. Next time: Moscow,” before leaving the city, according to reporting by Gazeta, which cites Russian media coverage. The Kremlin did not immediately provide further details, and Russian officials did not offer additional comment when contacted.
Why It Matters
Dmitriev’s departure comes as part of heightened diplomatic engagement around possible frameworks to end the war in Ukraine, with multiple parties working on competing proposals. Moscow’s silent exit and minimal public statements are being scrutinized by observers for what they may signal about Russia’s negotiating posture.
The Miami meetings involved representatives from Ukraine, the United States, and Europe, highlighting the complexity and multi-track nature of efforts to find negotiated solutions to the conflict. Public messaging from both Moscow and Western capitals continues to reflect divergent expectations about outcomes.
What To Know
According to Reuters, Dmitriev traveled to Miami to participate in discussions with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as part of diplomatic engagement related to Ukraine. Reuters also reports that the Kremlin expects Dmitriev to brief President Putin in Moscow on the outcome of these discussions once he is back in Russia.
Russian state-aligned outlets such as Gazeta and RIA Novosti reported that Dmitriev left Miami without holding a press briefing and noted his social media post thanking the city, without elaborating on the substantive result of the talks.
Earlier remarks from Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov, quoted by Russian media, indicated that the Kremlin was awaiting Dmitriev’s report to Putin and that “most of the proposals will be unacceptable,” reflecting Moscow’s critical stance toward proposed amendments from Ukraine and European participants, according to those reports.
Reuters also notes that the Kremlin has criticized amendments proposed by Ukraine and European countries to a U.S. peace plan, saying they have not improved prospects for progress and that Russia will formulate its position after reviewing Dmitriev’s report.
The Miami meetings took place from December 19–21, during which Ukrainian officials confirmed consultations with U.S. envoys and European advisers over key documents which are part of a potential peace framework, per Ukrainian officials and Reuters reporting.
What People Are Saying
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said the talks in Miami were “productive and constructive,” according to Reuters. He added that Russia remained “fully committed” to pursuing a peace process.
Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov told Russian outlets that Moscow will shape its official position only after Dmitriev reports back to President Putin. Ushakov said that what he called “unconstructive amendments” from Ukraine and Europe had been presented during the talks, according to translated Russian media coverage reported by Gazeta.ru.
What Happens Next
Dmitriev is expected to brief President Putin on the Miami discussions once he returns to Moscow, according to Reuters. Any formal response or revised Russian negotiating position is anticipated only after that report is delivered to the Kremlin.
Ukrainian officials have indicated they will continue to seek discussion and refinement of documents relating to possible agreements, with follow-up consultations likely dependent on diplomatic scheduling between Kyiv, Washington, and European partners.
