Trump says envoys taking plan to ‘end the war’ to Moscow, Kyiv

US President Donald Trump announced Friday that envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff would be sent to Moscow and Kyiv to present a plan aimed at ending the four-year war in Ukraine. This marks the first time the son-in-law and businessman friend have visited Kyiv since Trump assumed office last year, with a commitment to resolving the conflict. Both envoys have previously journeyed to Moscow, prompting accusations that they have aligned with Russia in negotiations.

Trump outlined the proposal to reporters, noting they would carry a peace plan, though he refrained from specifying whether it entailed Ukraine surrendering territory, as previously theorized. He affirmed that he had appointed Kushner and Witkoff, esteemed negotiators, to explore potential outcomes during their visit. The US leader attributed the ongoing war to a "personality problem" between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky, in his evening address, proposed a ceasefire while the envoys were in Moscow and Kyiv. He emphasized that the US would not conduct airstrikes and called upon Russia to reciprocate by ensuring a ceasefire without its own airstrikes throughout the duration of the talks.

A Ukrainian official disclosed to AFP that the envoys were scheduled to arrive in Kyiv on Sunday. The Kremlin did not comment on the matter. Axios reported that the two envoys would travel on Friday, meet with Putin at the Kremlin on Saturday, and then with Zelensky in Kyiv on Sunday. The duo have also been engaged in negotiations for ceasefires in Gaza and Iran.

Trump downplayed Germany's claim earlier in the week that Russia was responsible for a drone attack on an airport, asserting that Putin "is not looking to attack NATO territory." When questioned about the allegation, Trump stated confidently that he knew Putin well and that he had no intention of attacking NATO.

Trump has historically been doubtful about sustaining support for Ukraine, engaging in a televised dispute with Zelensky in February 2025. Regarding Putin, their relationship has oscillated between amicable and contentious interactions. Trump indicated on Thursday his intention to request European nations to reimburse the financial aid provided to Ukraine during the previous administration led by Joe Biden.

He has persistently advocated for a greater financial burden on European countries for the Western support given to Ukraine.