Moscow: US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have concluded their meeting in Moscow with President Vladimir Putin as part of the White House's renewed efforts to end Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. The meeting, which lasted approximately three hours, took place at the Kremlin, with the US envoys departing around 11 p.m. on September 5. Following this, they are scheduled to visit Kyiv.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, there was no official comment from either the Kremlin or the US immediately after the meeting. As discussions began, Putin reportedly referred to the "difficult situation" that needed addressing during their talks. In anticipation of the US envoys' visit to the Ukrainian capital, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that Putin had ordered a temporary halt to Russian strikes on Kyiv, beginning at midnight. This comes amid accusations from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Russia deliberately targeted Kyiv's airports in an attempt to disrupt the US envoys' visit. Other Russian attacks across Ukraine have resulted in at least five casualties.
Prior to the envoys' arrival, US President Donald Trump expressed that Washington had a "proposal to end the war," which is now in its fifth year since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Trump mentioned the possibility of achieving a resolution but provided no details. Meanwhile, Putin has maintained a firm stance, insisting on Russia's control over the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine.
Amid growing concerns in the West about potential Russian aggression towards NATO members, Trump reassured that he does not believe Putin plans such an attack. He emphasized his familiarity with Putin, stating that the Russian leader is not seeking to engage NATO territory.
Zelenskyy, on September 4, reiterated the importance of the US envoys' visit, calling for a temporary halt in air strikes to facilitate diplomatic discussions. He confirmed that Witkoff and Kushner would visit Kyiv on September 6, following their talks in Moscow.
Zelenskyy also emphasized that Ukrainian forces are committed to ensuring safe passage for the US envoys, urging Moscow to reciprocate by refraining from air strikes during the negotiations. Putin's order to halt strikes on Kyiv from September 6-8 was announced by Peskov, although attacks in other parts of Ukraine continued.
On September 5, Russian forces reportedly targeted Kyiv's airports, which Zelenskyy claimed was a deliberate attempt to disrupt the US envoys' travel plans. Despite the closure of Ukrainian airspace to civilian flights since 2022, the US envoys' visit underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts to seek a peaceful resolution.
Meanwhile, Russia continued its offensive across Ukraine, with recent strikes resulting in casualties in the Dnipropetrovsk region and other areas. The Ukrainian military reported the use of ballistic missiles and drones in these attacks.
The US envoys' visit to Kyiv marks their first since assuming key roles in the administration's peace efforts. President Trump has prioritized ending the conflict, although fundamental differences between Moscow and Kyiv persist. The Kremlin maintains its demands for territorial concessions, while Kyiv continues to reject such terms, insisting on security guarantees.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe's recent meeting with Russian intelligence leaders in Moscow did not include Putin, and analysts highlight uncertainty in Washington's broader strategy towards the conflict. Heather Conley of the American Enterprise Institute noted the lack of clarity regarding US pressure on Russia and the status of potential sanctions and military support to Ukraine.