US Envoys Arrive in Ukraine for Talks After Meeting Putin in Russia
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US envoys arrive in Ukraine for talks after holding discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on ending the war.
Two US representatives, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have arrived in Kyiv following their meeting with Putin on Saturday, according to the White House. They discussed "substantive plans for next steps" with the Russian leader, promising "equally productive meetings" in Ukraine.
While specific details remain unclear, an announcement is anticipated within weeks as efforts to conclude the conflict intensify. This will mark the first visit by Trump's top negotiators to the Ukrainian capital.
Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have agreed to a temporary halt of strikes on each other’s capitals for three days.
As Witkoff and Kushner negotiated in the Kremlin, Zelensky expressed his team's readiness for the discussion:
"We are ready for the conversation, and we are interested in bringing the end of the war closer."
He added that peace and security guarantees are crucial and stressed the importance of "coordinated, substantive, and realistic" work.
The three-hour talks on Saturday in Putin's official residence were described as "constructive" and "frank" by both sides, though specific details remain scarce.
Russian adviser Yuri Ushakov highlighted discussions on economic matters and potential US-Russia projects. He also noted recognition of Russia’s military advances and acknowledgment that talks needed to address "the root causes of the conflict."
Despite Russian ground forces making slow progress and incurring heavy casualties, they still control about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
The visit presents a challenge as Ukraine's airspace remains closed due to the ongoing war. It is unclear how Witkoff and Kushner will travel from Moscow to Kyiv.
The talks come amid intensifying aerial attacks on both sides. Ukraine has struggled against Russian ballistic missile strikes, while focusing its counterattacks on Russia’s economic infrastructure.