Putin is willing to give peace a chance, according to Jared Kushner, who arrived in Moscow alongside fellow US negotiator Steve Witkoff for high-level discussions.
The two American envoys touched down at Vnukovo airport on Thursday morning, where they were greeted by Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev. Following their arrival, the US delegation held meetings in a central Moscow hotel with Dmitriev and presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov before proceeding to the Kremlin.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated at the start of the Kremlin meeting that it was important for him to hear an assessment of the recent talks held in Abu Dhabi. The two-day trilateral negotiations between representatives of the US, Russia, and Ukraine concluded on Wednesday in the United Arab Emirates. Witkoff described those discussions as very good and positive, noting that the hardest issue remains territorial disputes.
“[T]his agreement, we cannot close without the Europeans at the negotiating table,” Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US Donald Trump, told the Unian agency. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that European representatives will participate in future talks, emphasizing that such inclusion is vital for prosperity and security guarantees.
BREAKING: Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrive in Moscow for a meeting with President Putin. pic.twitter.com/dp4mtgWaZi
Moscow views European involvement with skepticism
While Washington and Kyiv support European involvement in the ongoing diplomatic process, Moscow maintains a skeptical stance. Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinskij argued that the European Union has not yet presented any concrete peace proposals and therefore views its participation as unhelpful. Nevertheless, the Kremlin indicated that Putin remains open to contacts with European leaders, including Friedrich Merz.
European countries have supported Ukraine since the outbreak of the conflict and have increasingly spoken about wanting to be at the negotiating table, though they have yet to agree on who should represent them. Meanwhile, analysts point out significant gaps between the warring parties. Tomasz Szatkowski, former Polish ambassador to NATO, said that the current administration in Washington holds weaker cards and that expectations for rapid breakthroughs should remain tempered.
“[W]e have already scheduled another meeting and we will work hard to achieve this goal,” Steve Witkoff said, confirming that there should take place the largest prisoner exchange to date.
US and Ukrainian teams plan post-war security
Beyond immediate territorial questions, US and Ukrainian teams are actively working on a post-war blueprint for the country. Kushner highlighted Ukraine’s defense innovations in Dublin, noting that the potential is incredible and that discussions are being held regarding post-war security for Ukraine and the entire region to ensure this war does not repeat. US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich is also involved in shaping these long-term security arrangements.
“Trump is committed to ending this war,” Witkoff added, pointing to ongoing diplomatic momentum following the trilateral sessions. Concurrently, Putin proposed organizing a humanitarian mission for the Ukrainian town of Kostiantynivka, mirroring recent evacuation and aid operations carried out in Oleshky.
Common Questions on the Ukraine Peace Talks
Who represented the United States during the Moscow and Abu Dhabi meetings?
Special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner led the American delegations in both the United Arab Emirates and Russia, meeting directly with Vladimir Putin, Yuri Ushakov, and Kirill Dmitriev.
What was the primary tangible outcome of the trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi?
Negotiators from the US, Russia, and Ukraine agreed on plans for what should be the largest prisoner exchange to date, as reported by media.
Where are the subsequent diplomatic meetings scheduled to take place?
Following their discussions in Moscow, Witkoff and Kushner are scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Dublin.
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