U.S. Envoys Meet in Kyiv for Renewed Peace Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict
In Kyiv, Ukraine, U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner conducted “encouraging” discussions during their first official visit. This initiative is part of efforts to end over four years of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The American officials’ visit followed a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, as both nations have intensified aerial operations. Attempts by Washington to halt the conflict have stalled, with recent focus shifting to the Iran war.
Putin meets with U.S. envoys at the Kremlin for renewed talks on ending the war in Ukraine
Russia has been deploying fast-flying drones, with air-raid sirens becoming a norm in Kyiv. The military front line stretches 1,250 kilometers (775 miles).
After discussions with U.S. officials, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the aim was a “just, fair peace” to prevent future aggression. He expressed gratitude to the U.S. negotiators for visiting Kyiv by train, marking their first visit to Ukraine.
A subsequent round of talks later included national security advisors from Britain, France, and Germany. Witkoff described the discussions as meaningful and substantive. Kushner noted President Trump’s interest in finding long-term peace solutions.
A senior Ukrainian official, wishing to remain unnamed, said talks covered winter preparations and potential actions before then.
No Breakthroughs in Moscow
Saturday’s session in Moscow lasted over three hours, concluding without major developments. Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, called the talks constructive but offered no specific outcomes.
While Moscow gave an assessment of the battlefield in Ukraine, discussion also involved economic topics and potential joint projects between Russia and the U.S.
Russian drone strikes Ukraine security service headquarters as U.S. talks on the war are expected
Previous meetings with Putin occurred in January when Witkoff and Kushner also engaged in talks.
Continued Exchange of Fire
Though Putin and Zelenskyy had agreed to halt strikes on capitals during talks, both resumed hostilities. Russian forces caused casualties across various Ukrainian regions. Drone strikes in Zaporizhzhia and Khmelnytskyi led to fatalities and injuries.
Ukraine’s air force intercepted 82 out of 108 Russian drones, along with six missiles. In Russia, a Ukrainian drone caused casualties in the Belgorod region. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported shooting down 258 Ukrainian drones overnight.
In Kyiv, locals observed a national moment of silence for fallen soldiers. Among them was Nataliia Lipei, honoring her son Viktor, and expressing hope for the talks to end the conflict.
Not all shared optimism for the talks. Oleksandr Pastukhov expressed doubts, citing previous failed ceasefires and questioning the impact of the envoys’ visit.
Pope Leo XIV echoed hopes for peace in his Sunday prayer, wishing for fruitful negotiations. He addressed his prayer to attendees in St. Peter’s Square.
Associated Press journalists Volodymyr Yurchuk and Yevhenii Ocheretianyi in Kyiv, and Elise Morton in London, contributed to this report.
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