U.S. diplomats Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner engaged in positive discussions in Kyiv on Sunday during their inaugural trip to Ukraine in an effort to bring an end to over 4½ years of Russia’s extensive invasion. The visit by the American officials followed a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday, amidst escalated aerial attacks by both sides. The Trump administration’s focus on the Iran conflict in the past six months has hindered Washington’s efforts to halt the ongoing hostilities.
In recent times, Russia has employed high-speed, jet-powered drones, leading to the constant sound of air-raid sirens becoming a routine part of daily life in Kyiv. Progress along the 1,250-kilometer front line has been challenging for troops. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed the aim for a “just, fair peace” following two rounds of talks with the U.S. officials, emphasizing the need to prevent any future aggression against Ukraine.
Zelenskyy extended appreciation to the American envoys, who traveled by train for their first visit to Ukraine. He mentioned that the subsequent discussions on Sunday would involve national security advisers from Britain, France, and Germany. Witkoff described the discussions as substantive and important, conveying optimism about the outcomes.
Kushner emphasized President Donald Trump’s interest in not just ending the current war but also in establishing conditions for lasting peace. A senior Ukrainian official, speaking anonymously, noted that much of the dialogue focused on addressing challenges before the winter season.
The meeting in Moscow on Saturday, which lasted over three hours, concluded without any significant announcements. Although discussions included Russia’s assessment of the situation in Ukraine, they also touched upon economic matters and potential joint projects between Russia and the U.S. This visit marked the first since Witkoff and Kushner met with Putin at the Kremlin in January.
Despite an agreement between Putin and Zelenskyy to halt strikes on each other’s capitals during the talks, exchanges of fire persisted, resulting in casualties and damages on both sides. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a significant number of Russian drones and missiles launched overnight. Russia reported downing numerous Ukrainian drones over multiple regions, including Crimea and the Black and Azov Seas.
In Kyiv, a moment of silence was observed to honor fallen soldiers, with hopes pinned on the ongoing discussions in Moscow and Kyiv to bring an end to the conflict. While some, like Nataliia Lipei, were optimistic about the outcomes, others, such as Oleksandr Pastukhov, expressed skepticism. Pope Leo also renewed his call for peace in Ukraine, expressing hope for positive results from the negotiations.