United States special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff held significant discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Sunday, marking their first visit to the capital since the full-scale Russian invasion began in February 2022. The delegation arrived by train from Poland, aiming to revive negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for four and a half years and caused millions of displacements.
President Zelenskyy expressed the importance of the visit, stating, “It is very important that the delegation has arrived to see us. We have been waiting a long time for Steve and Jared, Witkoff and Kushner.” He thanked US President Donald Trump for facilitating the mission despite the active war, emphasizing that Ukraine is committed to doing everything possible to bring the conflict to an end.
Following the meeting, Witkoff described the dialogue as “meaningful” and “substantive,” noting that the team is encouraged and intends to continue the process. Kushner added that the administration is focused on establishing the necessary conditions for a long-term, durable peace rather than just ending the current hostilities, noting that the team gained significant insights from the trip.
The discussions in Kyiv included top Ukrainian security officials and negotiators, as well as national security advisers from Britain, France, and Germany. Zelenskyy noted that the presence of European partners was a welcome sign of unity, though he acknowledged that the war appears likely to continue through the winter. He expressed hope for reaching agreements with American partners while maintaining support from European allies.
The visit followed a three-hour meeting in Moscow on Saturday between the US envoys and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov characterized those talks as “highly useful” and “extremely frank,” noting that the American team proposed several potential routes toward a settlement. Putin had previously assured the envoys that Russia would ensure their safety while in Kyiv.
Despite the high-level diplomatic activity, the conflict remains intense. Both Russia and Ukraine had pledged to avoid strikes on each other’s capitals for three days during the visit, yet fighting persisted elsewhere. The Russian Defence Ministry reported striking a Ukrainian cargo vessel in the Black Sea, alleging it carried Western-supplied military equipment. Additionally, Moscow claimed to have shot down 400 drones within a 24-hour period.
Conversely, the Ukrainian Air Force reported an overnight Russian assault involving 108 drones and missiles. In a retaliatory move, Ukraine stated it successfully struck the Ryazan oil refinery, located approximately 480km (298 miles) inside Russian territory, triggering a significant fire.
Observers noted that while the visit itself was a major development, specific details regarding a breakthrough remain scarce. Zelenskyy reiterated his stance that critical issues, particularly regarding territorial integrity, must be addressed at the leadership level. The US administration has indicated that further steps regarding the peace proposal will be announced in the coming weeks, as the conflict continues to face challenges, including the broader geopolitical strain of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Zelenskyy took the envoys to visit the historic Saint Sophia’s Cathedral, situated near the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) building that was targeted by a Russian drone strike on Friday. As the war continues, the Ukrainian government remains focused on securing hard security guarantees from its international partners to prevent future incursions. The report also notes that reporting from Kyiv, said little new information came out of the talks, audrey MacAlpine. The report also notes that “The thing that stood out is really that we haven’t learned very much new from it, sort of kicking the can down the road,” she said. The report also notes that “President Zelenskyy saying that when it comes to the most important issues, like the issues of territory, that it would have to take place at the leader’s level, that is something that he has said time and time again,” MacAlpine added. The report also notes that “But the real takeaway here was this visit in itself by the US envoys here to Ukraine, and the promise that they may return.”. The report also notes that “We are grateful that the Europeans are with us today… Here we are all on the same side,” Zelenskyy said. The report also notes that who campaigned on a promise to quickly end the war, have yielded few results, previous rounds of US-mediated peace talks encouraged by Trump. The report also notes that though he did not elaborate, he suggested on Friday that the US had a fresh proposal.