European Advisers Join Kyiv Talks With US Envoys

National security advisers from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany arrived in Kyiv on September 6, joining US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for high-level diplomatic talks. Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ukrainian President's Office, confirmed the European presence with footage welcoming the American delegation.

Budanov stated, "Glad to welcome the American delegation headed by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Kyiv. Ahead lies an eventful day and important negotiations." The European partners, France, Great Britain, and Germany, are also present in the Ukrainian capital to work towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later clarified that consultations would occur in several distinct stages, beginning with a bilateral discussion between the American envoys and the Ukrainian negotiating team, followed by sessions with European advisers.

The phased schedule allows Kyiv to address core bilateral issues with the Americans before expanding to wider European multilateral formats. This visit aligns with direct negotiations initiated earlier by Zelensky and the Trump envoys at St. Sophia Square, marking the first meeting between the US delegation and Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion.

The American peace envoys arrived overland by train due to Russian drone and missile strikes disrupting initial flight plans. Upon their arrival at Kyiv's central railway station, they were welcomed by Budanov, Sergiy Kyslytsya, Rustem Umerov, and Davyd Arakhamia. These diplomatic efforts come after a brief Kremlin meeting on September 5, where Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed settlement concepts and economic projects with the US envoys, agreeing to halt strikes on Kyiv for three days but rejecting a broader ceasefire.