U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators will meet in Miami to focus on bilateral documents and a wide-ranging drone-defence deal that could help set up a future summit between Presidents Trump and Zelenskiy. Ukraine says it has deployed 228 specialists to the Middle East and is negotiating defence pacts with eight regional countries. The Miami talks replace a planned trilateral session with Russia in Abu Dhabi that was postponed after the Iran conflict began.
U.S. and Ukraine Hold Miami Talks on Broad Drone-Defence Deal; Meeting Could Pave Way For Trump–Zelenskiy Summit
FILE PHOTO: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reacts during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets at 10 Downing Street, in London, Britain, March 17, 2026. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett/Pool/File Photo
U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators are scheduled to meet in Miami on Saturday for talks that a source says could lay the groundwork for a future meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Focus On Bilateral Documents And Drone Defence
Zelenskiy told reporters the working groups will concentrate on bilateral documents and discuss a wide-ranging drone-defence agreement during the weekend sessions. Ukraine, which has built substantial expertise defending against Russian drone attacks, is also working to finalise agreements with eight Middle Eastern countries.
Ukrainian Assistance To The Middle East
The president said Kyiv has deployed 228 specialists to help Middle Eastern states bolster drone-defence capabilities and is negotiating what he called "serious agreements" with regional leaders, though he provided no further details.
Background And Postponed Trilateral Meeting
The Miami meeting was originally planned as a trilateral session with Russian negotiators in Abu Dhabi aimed at exploring a settlement to the war that began after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. That trilateral meeting was postponed following the outbreak of the Iran conflict on February 28. The White House had no immediate comment on the weekend talks.
Who Is Attending
According to a source, Washington's delegation will be led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Ukraine's delegation will include Chief of Staff Kyrylo Budanov, deputy Serhiy Kyslytsia, and Davyd Arakhamia, head of the president's parliamentary faction.
Security And Procurement Concerns
Kyiv has raised concerns with U.S. officials about Washington's temporary easing of some sanctions on Russian oil, saying Russia gained roughly $10 billion during the early weeks of the escalation around the Iran conflict. At the same time, Ukraine is pressing to maintain its U.S. weapons supply amid what a source described as a "moment of complete uncertainty." The country has repeatedly requested additional PAC-3 missiles for its Patriot air-defence systems and is reported to be running short.
Reconstruction And Investment
U.S. and Ukrainian officials will also meet in Kyiv next week for the third session of the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, which aims to approve a first joint investment project by the end of March.
Reporting by Olena Harmash in Kyiv and Andrea Shalal in Washington; writing by Andrea Shalal and Max Hunder; editing by Aidan Lewis, Patricia Zengerle and Rod Nickel.
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