In brief
US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, key negotiators in the Trump administration, are scheduled to arrive in Kyiv after a three‑hour, behind‑closed‑doors meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The White House said the talks focused on substantive plans to end the conflict, with both sides praising the constructive nature of the discussions. Zelenskiy has called for a substantive conversation, and both sides have quietly highlighted potential economic projects while acknowledging the need to address the root causes of the war. The envoys’ arrival marks the first trip by these figures to Ukraine’s capital amid ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks. A statement from Putin’s adviser Yuri Ushakov described the talks as “constructive, extremely frank.”
On Sunday, former Trump aides Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are scheduled to land in Kyiv after holding a three‑hour, behind‑closed‑doors meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. According to the White House, the discussions covered substantive next steps to end the war in Ukraine, with both sides describing the talks as constructive and candid.
The meeting took place in Putin’s official residence, a detail highlighted by the Russian state media. A statement from adviser Yuri Ushakov said the diplomats “made note of the Russian army’s tangible advances in the combat zone” and that the dialogue addressed economic issues and potential major joint projects between Russia and the United States.
While the full agenda remains undisclosed, the White House expects an official announcement in the coming weeks as efforts to end the conflict gain momentum. President Zelensky has signaled his readiness for a substantive conversation, and both sides have reiterated that ceasefire holidays will be observed for three days during each city’s respective air raids.
The envoys’ arrival reflects a renewed diplomatic push amid escalating aerial attacks. Russian ground forces have made slow gains, while Ukraine has faced shortages of interceptor missiles, prompting Kyiv to target Russian economic infrastructure. The envoys’ travel from Moscow to Kyiv remains unclear due to the closure of Ukrainian airspace since the Russian invasion launched in February 2022.
