Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Kyiv by train from Poland on September 6, 2026, to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about potential terms for ending the war with Russia, according to reporting by Reuters and AFP. The visit follows a three-hour meeting between the U.S. envoys and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin on September 5, 2026, where both sides described the talks as constructive.
Diplomatic Talks in Kyiv and International Security Advisors
U.S. negotiators met with the Ukrainian negotiation team first before holding discussions directly with President Zelenskyy, as reported by The Kyiv Independent. National security advisors from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom were also present in Kyiv ahead of the talks, according to information cited by Reuters. Prior to the arrival of the U.S. delegation, Zelenskyy outlined Ukraine’s stance on social media platform X. “We want to bring the end of the war closer. Peace is needed. Security guarantees are needed. A post-war peace of a dignified character is needed. Our proposals are ready,” Zelenskyy wrote.
The Moscow Meetings and Prior Diplomatic Efforts
During their Saturday stop in Moscow, Witkoff and Kushner met with Vladimir Putin alongside presidential foreign policy advisor Yury Ushakov and special envoy for talks with the U.S. Kirill Dmitriev, according to the sources. Ushakov characterized the talks as constructive and maximally candid, noting that Putin emphasized the need to address the root causes of the conflict. Neither Washington nor Moscow specified the concrete next steps discussed in the Kremlin, though the White House indicated that plans would be announced in the coming weeks. U.S. President Donald Trump remarked on September 4, 2026, that the United States has an idea for achieving peace, following earlier diplomatic efforts that slowed during conflicts involving the U.S. and Israel with Iran.
Did you know? Due to the ongoing airspace closure over Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion, international delegations travel to Kyiv by train from Poland, mirroring the route taken by Witkoff and Kushner via Rzeszów airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Steve Witkoff and Kushner meeting in Kyiv?
The U.S. envoys met with the Ukrainian negotiation team and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alongside the presence of national security advisors from the UK, France, and Germany, according to regional reporting.
What was discussed during the meetings in Moscow?
Witkoff and Kushner held a three-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 5, 2026, discussing potential next steps in the conflict, which both sides described as constructive.
What are Ukraine’s primary conditions for peace?
According to statements published by President Zelenskyy, Ukraine requires security guarantees, a dignified post-war peace, and concrete steps to bring the conflict to a close based on ready proposals.