US Envoys Arrive in Ukraine for Talks After Meeting Putin in Russia
Two US envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, arrived in Kyiv on Sunday, having discussed substantive plans with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on ending the war. According to the White House, they aim for "equally productive meetings" in Ukraine.
This marks the first trip by US President Donald Trump's top negotiators to Ukraine's capital. Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have agreed to a three-day cease-fire on striking each other’s capitals.
While details remain scarce, an announcement is expected in the coming weeks as efforts to end the war intensify.
"Peace and security guarantees are needed," said Zelensky on social media, emphasizing the importance of "coordinated, substantive, and realistic" work.
On Saturday, Witkoff and Kushner met with Putin for three hours at the Kremlin, engaging in "constructive, extremely frank" discussions, according to Russian advisor Yuri Ushakov. The talks covered not only the Ukrainian crisis but also "economic issues and potential major, mutually beneficial Russian-American projects".
Ushakov noted that "note was made of the Russian army's tangible advances" and acknowledged that negotiations needed to address "the root causes of the conflict."
Despite an escalation in strikes overnight, both sides expressed optimism for progress. Ukraine confirmed strikes on a refinery, airfield, and air defense systems while Russia continued to target Ukrainian infrastructure with drones and cruise missiles.