US Envoys Hold Talks with Ukraine After Meeting Putin
Toby Mann and Imogen James
16 minutes ago
US envoys met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv for the first time since Russia's invasion, following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Steve Witkoff described the talks as "substantive" and Jared Kushner said US President Trump instructed them to find a way to end the war and establish "long-term peace."
Zelensky expressed Ukraine's readiness for peace talks, emphasizing the need for security guarantees and a dignified post-war settlement.
Kushner assured Zelensky of Trump's determination to end the war, thanking other countries for their peace efforts. Witkoff added that negotiations would continue "for as long as it takes."
The envoys' trip to Kyiv involved a train ride after flying to Poland, while Putin and Zelensky agreed to a temporary halt in strikes on each other's capitals during their talks.
Zelensky stated Ukraine's commitment to peace, noting:
"We are interested in bringing the end of the war closer... Peace is needed. Security guarantees are needed... Our proposals are ready."
Russian and Ukrainian forces continued exchanging strikes overnight, with Ukraine targeting a refinery, airfield, and air defence systems.