US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday, kicking off a weekend of shuttle diplomacy aimed at reviving peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, according to reports.
The meeting, confirmed by multiple sources, marks the latest step in President Donald Trump's push to broker an end to the war. The envoys are expected to travel to Kyiv on Sunday for talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky, who earlier confirmed the visit and said he would guarantee the safety of Russian airspace during the delegation's travel, calling on Russia to do the same for Ukraine.
Witkoff and Kushner — Trump's son-in-law — have visited Russia several times before, but Sunday would be their first trip to Ukraine since taking on the peace portfolio. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to confirm the schedule in advance, telling reporters: "I wouldn't announce anything, but when these contacts take place, we will inform you."
The diplomatic push comes amid continued hostilities. On Friday, Zelensky reported that a Russian drone struck the office of Ukraine's security chief Oleksandr Poklad in Kyiv. Poklad was unharmed, and Zelensky ordered the SBU chief to respond "adequately" to the attack.
Putin, speaking at an economic forum on Thursday, said "there are chances" for a peace deal but insisted that "Moscow and Kyiv must agree between themselves." He has shown no sign of softening his maximalist demands, which include further territorial concessions from Ukraine — terms Kyiv and its European allies have repeatedly rejected as tantamount to capitulation.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Direct US-Russia engagement at this level signals renewed momentum in peace efforts, even as fighting continues.
- The first US envoy visit to Ukraine could test Kyiv's willingness to negotiate under current conditions.
- Putin's maximalist demands remain a fundamental obstacle; any progress would require significant compromise from both sides.
Background
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year, has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and massive displacement. Previous US-brokered talks have stalled over territorial issues and security guarantees. Witkoff and Kushner have built a rapport with Russian officials through multiple visits to Moscow, but have not previously held face-to-face talks in Ukraine.
Key Perspectives
Ukraine: President Zelensky has signalled openness to the US mediation effort but insists on sovereignty and territorial integrity. The drone attack on the SBU chief's office underscores the security risks and ongoing distrust.
Russia: President Putin appears willing to engage but has not retreated from demands that Ukraine cede occupied territory and guarantee neutrality — conditions Kyiv considers unacceptable.
United States: The Trump administration sees a negotiated settlement as a foreign policy priority, but faces pressure from European allies who are wary of concessions that favour Moscow.
What to Watch
- Outcome of the Kyiv talks on Sunday — whether any joint statement or framework emerges.
- Zelensky's public posture after the meeting: willingness to negotiate or hardening of position.
- Next steps from the Kremlin: any shift in rhetoric or concrete proposals.