US envoys Witkoff, Kushner arrive in Kyiv after talks with Putin in Moscow

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Kyiv on Sunday as part of renewed efforts for peace following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Their trip transpired after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday, aimed at reviving peace talks amidst escalating aerial attacks from both sides.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed readiness for "constructive" dialogue with US representatives, emphasizing the need for an end to the war, peace, security guarantees, and a just and sustainable post-war peace. Washington's peace efforts have waned, as the United States has been preoccupied with the Iran war for the past six months.

Witkoff and Kushner's last visit to Moscow with President Trump's son-in-law was in January, where they held talks with Putin at the Kremlin. The Moscow meeting, over three hours long, concluded without any breakthroughs, described by Putin's foreign policy adviser as constructive, frank, and useful, though specific outcomes were not disclosed.

While Moscow provided a comprehensive assessment of the battlefield situation in Ukraine, the talks also delved into economic issues and potential joint projects between Russia and America. The air war between Russia and Ukraine has intensified, with troops struggling to make progress along the 1,250km front line. Russia has increasingly utilized fast-flying jet-powered drones, leading to a daily occurrence of air-raid sirens in Kyiv.

Despite a ceasefire agreement reached between Putin and Zelensky for the duration of the talks, sporadic strikes continued overnight, resulting in casualties and injuries in various Ukrainian regions. Meanwhile, Russia reported one fatality and multiple injuries due to Ukrainian drone strikes. The intensity of the conflict is evident in the aftermath, as seen in Kyiv, where a nationwide moment of silence was observed to honor fallen soldiers, including Nataliia Lipei, whose son was killed in December 2022.

However, skepticism persists regarding the envoys' visit's impact, with some viewing it as another failed attempt to broker a resolution.