US President Donald Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not want to attack NATO countries, according to the Reuters news agency. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump confirmed that US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are preparing to travel abroad to negotiate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, though he did not specify whether they would visit Kyiv, Moscow, or both capitals.
Negotiators Weigh Travel Amid Security Concerns
The upcoming diplomatic push follows earlier reports from the Russian state news agency TASS and the US news outlet Axios regarding the planned travel of Kushner and Witkoff to the capitals of the warring nations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy subsequently stated that the American negotiators would arrive in Kyiv on Sunday following a previous stop in Moscow, while the Kremlin offered no comment on the matter. AFP noted that Witkoff and Kushner have visited Moscow several times and that discussions regarding a trip to the Ukrainian capital had been ongoing for months. However, according to Ukrainian media and Reuters sources, the Russian side has attempted to discourage the Americans from visiting Kyiv.
Adding to the uncertainty, the Kyiv Independent reported that an American administration source indicated the visit remains planned but could still be canceled due to growing safety fears. Russia has sharply escalated missile and drone attacks on the Ukrainian capital, subjecting residents to continuous aerial assaults for nine consecutive days, including jet-powered drones that present a greater challenge for air defenses.
CIA Director’s Moscow Visit and Diplomatic Channels
Prior to the announcement of the Witkoff and Kushner mission, CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an unannounced visit to Moscow last week. According to Axios, Ratcliffe aimed to determine whether senior Russian intelligence officials could persuade Putin to pursue a diplomatic path to end the conflict.
Did you know?
US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have made multiple previous trips to Moscow to discuss diplomatic options for the ongoing conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the US peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine?
President Donald Trump has dispatched US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to handle peace talks.
What did Donald Trump say regarding NATO security?
According to Reuters, Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no intention of attacking NATO member states.
Why is the planned visit to Kyiv facing potential cancellation?
The Kyiv Independent reported that US administration sources cited mounting safety concerns due to intensive Russian missile and drone attacks on the Ukrainian capital.
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