US Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner Arrive in Moscow for Ukraine Peace Talks
US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow to meet with Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Reuters. The visit marks a renewed effort by the administration of US President Donald Trump to achieve a breakthrough in ending the war in Ukraine, with Trump stating that “there is a great chance” for progress.
Security Measures and Three-Day Pause in Strikes on Kyiv
Ahead of the US delegation’s scheduled Sunday arrival in Kyiv, Russian attacks killed at least five people in Ukraine and struck the Kyiv and Boryspil airports, which were considered potential landing sites for the envoys’ aircraft, according to source reports. In response to the visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a three-day suspension of strikes on Kyiv to ensure the security of the American delegation, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed to BBC.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously announced that Ukraine would not conduct air strikes on Russian territory during the delegation’s trip to avoid endangering them, and called on Moscow to implement an analogous pause. While Kremlin officials initially stated they would not negotiate joint security measures, the temporary halt to Kyiv strikes was subsequently enacted to accommodate the diplomatic mission.
Did you know? US President Donald Trump announced that Witkoff and Kushner are carrying a specific proposal to end the war, though official details regarding the exact contents of дер peace plan have not been publicly disclosed.
Differing Stances and Prior Diplomatic Positions
Prior to the visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin characterized ongoing negotiations as “frozen,” yet Moscow confirmed its readiness to host the American envoys. The current diplomatic push contrasts with previous rejections of coordinated security arrangements, as Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted in statements reported by BBC that direct coordination between Moscow and Kyiv regarding the travel logistics would not occur.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities highlighted ongoing military friction, pointing to recent overnight strikes by Russian forces against industrial sites, including a metallurgical enterprise in Kamyanske within the Dnipropetrovsk region, which resulted in casualties among workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the US special envoys visiting Moscow and Kyiv?
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are serving as special envoys for US President Donald Trump to discuss peace efforts in Ukraine.
Who are the key officials involved in the talks?
According to Reuters and BBC reports, the envoys are meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev.
What security measures were put in place for the visit?
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a three-day pause on strikes targeting Kyiv, following an earlier announcement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Ukraine would halt air strikes on Russian territory during the delegation’s travel.