U.S. envoys arrive in Kyiv to revive Ukraine peace talks
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Sunday arrived in Kyiv for talks with Ukrainian officials as Washington renewed efforts to revive negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine.
The visit followed more than three hours of talks between the two U.S. representatives and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday. No major breakthrough was announced, although Russian officials described the discussions as constructive and substantive.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv was prepared for a constructive discussion with the U.S. delegation and stressed that any settlement must provide lasting security.
“We are interested in bringing the end of the war closer. Peace is needed. Security guarantees are needed. A just and sustainable postwar peace is needed,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine’s proposals were prepared.
The diplomatic push came as Russia and Ukraine agreed to temporarily pause strikes on each other’s capitals while the U.S. envoys conducted their talks. Putin ordered a three-day halt to strikes on Kyiv, while Zelenskyy said Ukraine would refrain from targeting Moscow during the negotiations.
The limited pause does not amount to a broader ceasefire, however, and fighting and long-range attacks have continued elsewhere.
The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has become Europe’s deadliest conflict in decades. Previous diplomatic efforts have repeatedly stalled over fundamental disagreements, including Russia’s demands regarding occupied Ukrainian territory and Kyiv’s future security arrangements.
The latest U.S. initiative comes amid intensified aerial warfare, with both Russia and Ukraine increasing long-range drone and missile attacks far beyond the front lines.
While the Moscow meeting produced no publicly announced agreement, the Kyiv visit is expected to test whether Washington can narrow the wide gap between the two sides and restart substantive negotiations.
By Jwan Shekaki