Trump’s envoys arrive in Kyiv for first Ukraine visit

US special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff arrived in Kyiv on Sunday for their first visit to the Ukrainian capital, following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow about ending the four-year war between the two nations. The envoys, who have previously held multiple meetings with Putin, have not yet visited Kyiv, which has been a frequent target of Russian strikes since the war began in 2022. They are scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Kushner and Witkoff traveled from Moscow by train to Kyiv, where an AFP reporter witnessed their arrival. The American envoys aim to revive negotiations to bring an end to Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II, following a period of increasing tensions. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions.

During their Moscow meetings, Kushner and Witkoff discussed potential steps for peace, which will be revealed in upcoming weeks. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov described the discussions as "extremely frank," stating that the Americans presented several ideas for achieving a settlement. However, Ushakov did not provide further details.

Both Russia and Ukraine have pledged not to target each other's capitals during the negotiations, which spanned three days. Zelensky affirmed Ukraine's willingness to engage in conversation, stating that Ukraine "will remain constructive." However, many Ukrainians remain skeptical about the prospects of a breakthrough, given the numerous previous attempts at negotiations.