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

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he would send envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Moscow and Kyiv with a plan to end the four-year conflict in Ukraine. This marks the first visit to Kyiv by Trump's son-in-law and business associate since he took office last year. Both envoys have previously visited Moscow, which has led to accusations that they have sided with Russia in negotiations.

Trump stated that they are bringing a proposal to conclude the war, though he did not reveal whether it involves Ukraine conceding territory. He expressed confidence in their negotiating abilities, saying they have "done a great job." Trump attributed the war, which began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, to a "personality problem" between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

On Friday, Zelensky proposed a ceasefire with Russia, emphasizing that the US envoys would not conduct airstrikes and that Russia must reciprocate by observing a ceasefire during the talks. A Ukrainian official confirmed that the envoys would meet Zelensky in Kyiv on Sunday. The Kremlin did not comment on the matter. Axios reported that the envoys would travel to Moscow on Friday, Putin at the Kremlin on Saturday, and Zelensky in Kyiv on Sunday.

The men have previously engaged in ceasefire negotiations for Gaza and Iran. Trump dismissed Germany's claim earlier in the week that Russia was responsible for a failed drone attack on an airport, stating that Putin does not aim to attack NATO territory. The US president has previously been critical of Ukraine's support and has clashed with Zelensky, particularly during a televised debate in February 2025.

Trump has also suggested that Europe should reimburse the American aid provided to Ukraine during the previous administration.