Principal negotiators in the discussions to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine

President Donald Trump is increasing efforts to broker a peace agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine. In recent weeks, officials from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia have conducted a series of international meetings aimed at negotiating a resolution. Heres an overview of the main figures involved in these discussions.

Key Negotiators

Witkoff

A real estate tycoon turned informal foreign policy advisor for Trump, Witkoff has played a central role in complex negotiations concerning Ukraine and Gaza, operating outside the need for Senate approval. The 68-year-old has a longstanding friendship and golf partnership with Trump and has traveled to Moscow multiple times in recent months.

Rubio

Serving as U.S. Secretary of State, Rubio has been leading discussions with Ukrainian officials. He recently headed the U.S. delegation in Geneva, where revisions were proposed to the U.S.-Russia mediated peace plan, which leaned heavily in Russias favor.

Kushner

Trumps son-in-law and former adviser during his first term, Kushner is a businessman who has been involved in various policy areas, including brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas earlier this year. He has participated in negotiations for Ukraine, meeting with Ukrainian officials in Florida and Russian representatives in Moscow.

Driscoll

The U.S. Army Secretary and Iraq War veteran, Driscoll, is a friend of Vice President JD Vance. At 38, he emerged as an unexpected participant in the Ukraine peace efforts, presenting Trumps proposals to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv and later meeting with Russian officials in the UAE.

Umerov

Appointed to lead Ukraines delegation in Florida following the resignation of Zelenskyys chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, Umerov previously served as defense minister and now heads Ukraines National Security and Defense Council. He has been actively engaged in key negotiation rounds since the start of the full-scale war.

Ushakov

A veteran Russian diplomat and presidential aide since 2012, Ushakov served as Russias ambassador to the U.S. from 1998 to 2008. Fluent in English and Danish, he has played a prominent role in U.S.-Russia peace discussions, with reports suggesting Witkoff advised him on presenting the plan to Trump.

Dmitriev

Former investment banker and current head of Russias sovereign wealth fund, Dmitriev has become an influential figure in back-channel communications between the Kremlin and Trump allies. Despite being on U.S. sanctions lists, he has contributed significantly to the negotiation process.

Lavrov

Serving as Russias foreign minister since 2004, Lavrov is known for his strong defense of Russian policy and his effectiveness as a negotiator. Fluent in English, he has been deeply involved in the U.S.-Russia discussions this year, attending the initial meeting in Jeddah and maintaining communication with Secretary Rubio.

Author: Sophia Brooks