U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner travel to Moscow and Kyiv this weekend to restart peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The visit follows recent developments in the war, with Ukraine temporarily halting hostilities and Trump emphasizing the need for a resolution.
Witkoff and Kushner, Trump's special envoy and son-in-law, will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday and then visit Kyiv on Sunday. Zelensky confirmed the visit, which marks the first time the envoys travel to Ukraine. Ukraine has also ordered a temporary ceasefire from Sept. 5-8.
Zelensky pledged to ensure the safety of Russian airspace during the visit and called for Russia to do the same for Ukraine. Russia has responded with drone attacks, with air raid sirens sounding as drones approached Kyiv. The talks come as both sides remain at odds over territorial concessions and the war's future.
Russia's state news agency reported the envoys' arrival in Moscow on 5-6 September, while the Kremlin declined to comment on the talks. Putin expressed hope for a peace deal but reiterated his maximalist demands, which Ukraine and its allies have rejected.