US envoys Witkoff, Kushner arrive in Kiyv after Putin talks

U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner made their inaugural official trip to Ukraine on Sunday, part of renewed efforts towards peace with Russia. Having spent over three hours in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow the previous day, the duo arrived in Kyiv by train from Poland. Putin had previously declared a three-day ceasefire to ensure the envoys' safety.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had expressed readiness for a "constructive" dialogue with U.S. counterparts on social media, emphasizing the need for peace, security guarantees, and a just postwar arrangement. National security advisors from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany were also present in Kyiv for talks with the U.S. envoys, according to Reuters.

While talks with Putin in Moscow on Saturday were described as constructive, frank, and useful by his foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, no specific outcomes were announced. The discussions also touched upon economic matters and potential large Russia-US projects, focusing on resolving key issues like the future of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine's chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, indicated that hard security guarantees from allies and the U.S. are crucial to preventing further aggression from Russia. He predicted that the fighting might not end before spring 2027 and forecast additional Russian strategic air strikes on Ukraine during the winter. The conflict has intensified with Russia's aim to conquer the Donbas region and drone attacks targeting Ukraine's capital, Kyiv.

In retaliation, Ukraine has focused drone attacks on Russia's energy sector and online retailers within Russia.