Trump envoys meet Putin before taking peace push to Kyiv

US diplomats Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held extensive discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday, focusing on potential pathways to end the conflict in Ukraine. The envoys spent over three hours in talks with Putin before traveling to Kyiv for further deliberations with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

White House officials said the discussions covered "substantive plans for next steps" and anticipated announcements about the outcomes in the coming weeks. A Kremlin official indicated that the Americans presented various ideas for a potential settlement, though specific proposals were not disclosed. Putin reassured Witkoff and Kushner of his commitment to a lasting peace, praising former US President Donald Trump's ongoing efforts toward resolution.

He emphasized Russia's battlefield successes and confidence in achieving its military objectives, while insisting any agreement must address Russia's core concerns about the conflict. The gap between Russia's demands for Ukrainian withdrawal from contested territories and Ukraine's NATO aspirations remains substantial. Russia has intensified its military attacks on Kyiv in recent days, while Ukraine has struck Russian infrastructure and other deep positions.

Zelenskiy pledged to avoid targeting Moscow during the envoys' visit and called for reciprocity from Russia. Putin assured the safety of the American delegation and announced a temporary suspension of strikes on Kyiv during their stay. Witkoff and Kushner departed Moscow afterward and are now en route to Kyiv for further negotiations.