'Constructive discussions': US, Europe and Ukraine work on joint plan to end war

On Friday, US, Ukrainian, and European officials convened in Miami for a diplomatic effort to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as Washington pursued a path away from the precarious stalemate. The discussions were marred by US President Donald Trump's announcement of a deal with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to augment diesel supplies, highlighting how the war is entwined with escalating energy prices.

US envoy Steve Witkoff reported that the constructive talks delved into potential avenues to ease tensions and conclude the war ahead of winter and pave the way for a lasting peace.

The meeting, which included the E3 (the US, Ukraine, and European Commission), Ukraine, NATO, and focused on energy resilience, grain exports, security guarantees, and long-term arrangements to safeguard Ukraine and Europe against future conflicts. Witkoff also highlighted the productive exchange on supporting Ukraine's post-war reconstruction and economic growth, including EU accession.

However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned that the stalemate could escalate further, potentially spilling over into neighboring NATO countries, adding that a military solution was unlikely.

Trump claimed that Russian strikes on Ukrainian refineries were responsible for fuel price surges, though the US-Israeli war with Iran was the primary disruptor of global energy supplies. Following a call with Putin, Trump announced that Russia would provide over 300,000 tons of diesel to US and global markets, with an additional 500,000 tons slated for November.

The Treasury Department granted a temporary license to enable Russian diesel to enter global markets, but it remained unclear whether the call covered Ukraine. The Miami talks followed Witkoff's and the president's son-in-law's visits to Moscow and Kyiv last month, aiming to revive negotiations that had seen minimal progress.

With winter approaching and the risk of continued fighting and damage to crucial infrastructure mounting, diplomatic efforts gained urgency. The renewed diplomacy was prompted by deadly Russian attacks, such as the bus strike in Kramatorsk that claimed 30 lives. Russia's territorial demands, particularly its insistence on controlling the eastern Donbas region, even in areas held by Kyiv, have impeded progress.

Russia's occupation of about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory has raised European concerns about energy costs and the conflict's broader economic repercussions. Witkoff and Kushner briefed the president on their latest proposals before a meeting with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other senior officials, as reported by Axios.

The US administration sought to advance diplomacy before the November midterm elections and potentially arrange broader talks involving Russia and Ukraine later in the month, though no date had been set.