Trump says Witkoff, Kushner heading abroad in latest U.S. effort to end Ukraine war

The first visit to Kyiv by Donald Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, initially announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, may not occur, according to The Kyiv Independent. Sources close to the situation indicate Witkoff "started to get scared" at the prospect of traveling to Kyiv, citing Russian sentiment as a concern.

Officials warn of the dangers and potential risks involved in visiting the city. The negotiators are scheduled to travel to Ukraine and Russia from September 5–6, with plans to first visit Moscow and then Kyiv. Witkoff and Kushner plan to arrive by plane, as train travel has been an issue for them in the past. Since the full-scale war began, Kyiv's airspace has been closed, forcing foreign delegations to reach the city by train.

Russian forces have been attacking Kyiv daily with jet-powered drones since the conflict started over a week ago. Axios reports, based on a U.S. administration source, that the trip will proceed despite multiple changes in decision-making. It was previously reported that Witkoff and Kushner had planned to visit Ukraine and Russia in August, but that visit never materialized.

The Kremlin has not disclosed exact dates for this visit, but they have welcomed Witkoff and Kushner as guests. Russian media commented on the failed Moscow visit in August, suggesting delays were due to various reasons. Meduza, a journalistic outlet, confirms the story was written by a human journalist and translated using AI with strict editorial oversight.