U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner engaged in “positive” discussions in Kyiv on Sunday during their inaugural trip to Ukraine as part of an intensified effort to conclude Russia’s prolonged invasion. The American delegation’s visit follows a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday, amid heightened aerial assaults by both sides. Attempts by Washington to halt the conflict have faced setbacks due to the Trump administration’s recent focus on the Iran situation.
Russia has been deploying high-speed, jet-powered drones, and the sound of air-raid sirens has become a daily occurrence in Kyiv. Progress along the 1,250-kilometer front line has been challenging for the troops. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed the aim for a “just, equitable peace” following two rounds of talks with the U.S. officials. Zelenskyy also appreciated the American negotiators’ visit to Kyiv, their first in Ukraine, and announced the involvement of national security advisors from Britain, France, and Germany in the upcoming discussions.
“We’ve had substantial, significant discussions that have been very positive and important,” stated Witkoff. Kushner emphasized President Donald Trump’s view on the importance of establishing not only an end to the current conflict but also conditions for lasting peace. Discussions during the visit mainly focused on strategies for the upcoming winter and immediate actions that can be taken.
The meeting in Moscow on Saturday lasted over three hours but concluded without major breakthroughs being announced. Putin’s foreign policy advisor, Yuri Ushakov, described the talks as constructive, candid, and beneficial, although specific outcomes were not disclosed. Apart from discussing the Ukraine conflict, economic matters and potential collaborative projects between Russia and America were deliberated in detail.
Russia and Ukraine continued exchanging fire despite a mutual agreement between Putin and Zelenskyy to halt strikes on each other’s capitals during the negotiations. Russian attacks in various Ukrainian regions resulted in casualties and injuries, with Ukraine’s air force intercepting a significant number of drones and missiles launched by Russia. Similarly, a Ukrainian drone strike in Russia led to casualties, with the Russian Defense Ministry reporting numerous drone interceptions.
On the ground in Kyiv, a moment of silence was observed to honor Ukraine’s fallen soldiers, with hopes that the ongoing talks in Moscow and Kyiv would bring an end to the conflict. While some remain hopeful, others like Oleksandr Pastukhov expressed skepticism about the potential impact of the envoys’ visit. Pope Leo also renewed his call for peace in Ukraine and expressed optimism that the negotiations would yield positive outcomes.