US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow on Saturday for talks with President Vladimir Putin, then traveled to Kyiv on Sunday to continue negotiations aimed at reviving a ceasefire in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Both sides agreed to pause strikes on each other's capitals during the discussions.
Putin told the envoys that Russia was making real progress on the battlefield and stressed the need to address root causes of the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv was ready for constructive talks and had prepared proposals for a just and sustainable peace. The White House said the envoys discussed substantive next steps toward ending the war.
The talks mark a renewed push by the US to broker a resolution after months of intensified aerial attacks and static front lines. Zelenskyy accused Russia of escalating strikes on Kyiv and Boryspil airports in response to the US visit, while Moscow ordered a 72-hour pause on attacks against the Ukrainian capital. Defense officials warn Europe cannot sustain a prolonged war of attrition with Russia.
Despite the diplomatic activity, fundamental disagreements remain over territory and NATO membership. The Kremlin reiterated its demand that Ukraine cede four regions claimed by Russia and renounce NATO aspirations, positions Kyiv considers non-negotiable. No breakthrough was announced by either side following the initial round of meetings.