Ukrainian delegation shocked by US stance at Miami talks on Ukraine

The Ukrainian delegation at talks with the Americans in Miami went through a real shock, a senior Ukrainian official who asked to remain anonymous told the newspaper. According to the official, not only the Ukrainian but also a European delegation was in the room, and “everyone was sitting there like fools”.

The source believes Trump was trying to distract attention from the consequences of his own foreign policy. “It is obvious that Trump does not want to admit that it was his war against Iran that caused the Americans so many problems,” the official said. He added that it was Trump who dragged everyone into the war in Iran, “a war with no way out”, and is now betraying Kyiv to secure himself temporary, deceptive relief a couple of weeks before the elections.

Pressure on Kyiv, concessions to Moscow

While offering Moscow economic relief, Trump has for a month been asking Ukraine to limit its attacks on the Russian energy sector. “This only strengthens Putin and lets him wage further war. And just as we are talking about peace, the United States is allowing Russia to export oil,” Zelensky said on Friday, commenting on the deal.

Kyiv has repeatedly stressed that any energy truce must apply to both sides. Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, oil terminals and other energy facilities are meant to cut the revenue Moscow uses to fund the war. Russia, for its part, systematically attacks Ukrainian power plants and substations, leaving civilians without electricity and heating.

Zelensky cast as an obstacle

According to Ukrainian officials, the American negotiators portrayed Zelensky as an obstacle to a deal because he refused to stop the strikes. Washington also threatened to suspend intelligence sharing with Kyiv.

“Honestly, everyone was in shock,” said one participant in the talks, who did not hold back on strong language. He added sarcastically that he hopes the Americans will not give Russia Patriot air defence systems to protect its oil refineries. His words reflected Kyiv’s broader fear that Washington is helping Moscow protect the infrastructure that finances its war, while pressing Ukraine to give up one of the means by which Russia can be held to account.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz