In brief
US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have landed in Kyiv following a three‑hour, behind‑closed‑doors meeting with President Putin in Moscow aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine. While details remain secretive, both sides described the talks as "constructive" and "frank", and have hinted at a broader agenda including economic projects and root causes of the war. The envoys are the first from former President Trump’s administration to visit Ukraine’s capital in the ongoing effort to broker a durable ceasefire amid continued aerial assaults and limited ground advances by Russian forces. Ukrainian President Zelensky has expressed readiness for a substantive conversation, while Russian adviser Yuri Ushakov noted advances and acknowledged the need to tackle underlying tensions. The international community watches as the trio of talks could signal a shift in the stalemate that has persisted since 2022.
US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have landed in Kiev after a three‑hour, behind‑closed‑doors meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow that aimed to end the war in Ukraine.
White House officials say the envoys discussed substantive next steps with Putin, describing the talks as "constructive" and "frank". Both sides promised a broader agenda that includes economic projects and a deeper look at the conflict’s root causes.
While details remain opaque, the envoys are the first from former President Trump’s administration to visit Ukraine’s capital amid the ongoing attempt to broker a ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says his administration is ready for a substantive conversation after the Moscow talks. Russian adviser Yuri Ushakov noted Russian army advances and underscored the need to address underlying tensions.
The international community watches closely as the trio of talks could signal a move toward a durable settlement, amid continued aerial attacks and the slow progress of ground forces.
