Kyiv, Ukraine – US Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior officials, following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as part of US diplomatic efforts to push for an end to the war in Ukraine. Reports indicated that national security advisors from Britain, France, and Germany are also present in Kyiv, signaling broader European participation in ongoing diplomatic initiatives.
Witkoff and Kushner Visit to Kyiv
The visit by the US envoys follows their meeting with Putin in Moscow, where they discussed avenues for progress toward resolving the multi-year conflict. The trip marks the first official presence of Witkoff and Kushner in Kyiv in their roles as US negotiators within the current mediation push. Zelenskyy stated that his country is ready for constructive discussions to bring an end to the war, emphasizing the necessity of securing robust security guarantees and a sustainable post-war peace.
European Presence in the Talks
The presence of the British, French, and German national security advisors in Kyiv alongside the US delegation underscores increasing coordination between Washington and its European allies regarding the future framework of negotiations. The European advisors’ involvement comes as Western partners aim to shape political and security arrangements that could underpin a potential agreement to end the war.
Putin Praises US Efforts
Putin characterized his meeting with Witkoff and Kushner as useful, commending efforts led by US President Donald Trump to reach a settlement to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Moscow expressed appreciation for the level of trust in working with the US envoys, though talks have not yet yielded a clear breakthrough, with key disagreements persisting over fundamental issues surrounding the end of hostilities.
