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US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, advocated for reinstating trilateral talks among the US, Russia, and Ukraine following negotiations with Ukrainian officials in Kyiv on Sunday. This marks their inaugural visit to the Ukrainian capital since the onset of the war. Despite no significant breakthroughs, Witkoff expressed confidence in achieving a positive resolution.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged "several new ideas" discussed during productive conversations with the US, but refrained from elaborating. The meetings followed substantial interactions Witkoff and Kushner had with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, part of Washington's renewed efforts to conclude the conflict in Ukraine.

Kushner emphasized the benefits of trilateral formats, stating that they facilitate direct communication among all parties without requiring the US to speak on behalf of Ukraine or Russia. He recounted previous trilateral negotiations held about six months ago, highlighting a friendly atmosphere where discussions took place in Russian.

However, he acknowledged that prior trilateral talks have failed to resolve critical issues such as territorial claims and security assurances for Ukraine. Zelensky concurred, stressing the need for intensified efforts to facilitate trilateral meetings or, alternatively, incorporate European partners. He also mentioned the importance of securing Russia's participation.

Witkoff and Kushner reportedly engaged in a "good, concrete conversation" with Putin during their visit to Russia. The envoy underscored the necessity of fostering relationships with both sides and maintaining open communication channels to facilitate a peaceful resolution. Three rounds of talks concluded in Kyiv on Sunday evening, following discussions with European representatives from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

Ukrainian officials, including Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the Ukrainian Presidency, and Zelensky, confirmed the intention to convene further meetings in the near future. Zelensky emphasized the shared goal of averting further loss of life and ending the war in a manner that prevents Russia's aggression against Ukraine from recurring.

Additionally, he praised the attendees, presenting them with T-shirts bearing the phrase "Kyiv regime."

The envoys were greeted with a tour of St. Sophia's Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which sustained damage from Russian attacks. Earlier reports indicated a Russian strike targeting Ukraine's Security Service headquarters in Kyiv, causing further harm to the cathedral. Ahead of their meeting, Zelensky expressed gratitude to Trump for facilitating the trip on a security basis, emphasizing Ukraine's prolonged anticipation of Witkoff and Kushner's visit.

He highlighted the country's critical shortage of air defense interceptors, stating that the US will augment Patriot missile production in the upcoming year to bolster defense capabilities.