Witkoff Says Meetings With Putin Envissary Dmitriev Were ‘Productive and Constructive’

U.S. officials described talks in Florida with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy as a positive step in Washington’s mediation effort aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, met Saturday with members of a U.S. delegation in Florida in talks that were described by American officials as “productive and constructive,” as the Trump administration continues diplomatic efforts toward a potential resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.

The meetings were confirmed by President Donald Trump’s special envoy for peace missions, Steve Witkoff, who said the discussions were part of ongoing U.S. mediation efforts. “Today in Florida, the Russian Special Envoy Kirill Dmitriev held productive and constructive meetings as part of the U.S. mediation effort toward advancing a peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian conflict,” Witkoff wrote in a statement posted on X.

According to Witkoff, the American delegation included himself, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Jared Kushner, and White House Senior Advisor Josh Gruenbaum. The discussions were framed as exploratory but encouraging, signaling what U.S. officials described as renewed engagement by Moscow in talks aimed at ending the war.

“We are encouraged by this meeting that Russia is working toward securing peace in Ukraine and is grateful for President Trump’s critical leadership in seeking a durable and lasting peace,” Witkoff added.

The Trump administration has emphasized direct diplomacy and third-party mediation as part of its strategy to bring the conflict to a close. Saturday’s meetings mark one of the most detailed public acknowledgments to date of direct engagement between senior U.S. officials and a top Russian envoy since the administration intensified its push for negotiations.

No further details were released regarding specific proposals or timelines discussed during the meetings, and officials did not indicate whether additional talks are scheduled.