U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Kyiv to discuss efforts to end over 4½ years of war in Ukraine. Their visit followed a meeting in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin, part of ongoing attempts to resolve the conflict. Discussions in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy focused on achieving a fair and lasting peace.
While the Trump administration has recently focused on the Iran conflict, the efforts to address the situation in Ukraine have continued. Recent meetings have seen increased aerial attacks from Russia, involving fast-flying drones, turning air-raid sirens into a daily reality for Kyiv residents. The frontline remains largely static along a 1,250-kilometer stretch.
After two rounds of discussions, Zelenskyy expressed hope for a peace ensuring no future aggression against Ukraine. He appreciated the American officials’ journey to Kyiv and emphasized the goal of a ‘just, fair peace.’ National security advisers from Britain, France, and Germany were expected to join the discussions later Sunday.
“We’ve had very meaningful discussions, substantive, important, and we’re very encouraged,” Witkoff said. Kushner added that President Donald Trump finds it crucial not only to end the current conflict but to establish conditions for a durable peace.
A Ukrainian official, who requested anonymity, indicated much of the dialogue focused on navigating the upcoming winter and immediate actions. Saturday’s Moscow talks lasted over three hours but did not yield any major developments. Yet, the talks covered not only the conflict but also explored economic issues and potential joint projects.
Both leaders, Putin and Zelenskyy, initially agreed to pause strikes during the talks. However, overnight exchanges persisted, resulting in casualties and civilian harm across Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine reported intercepting 82 out of 108 Russian-launched drones, and Russia claimed to have shot down numerous drones and missiles.
Amid these tensions, a daily moment of silence commemorated Ukraine’s fallen soldiers. Among those present was Nataliia Lipei, whose son Viktor died in December 2022. While hopeful for peace, skepticism also loomed, as others questioned the effectiveness of negotiations in achieving a resolution.
In Rome, Pope Leo XIV shared his hope that recent negotiations would yield positive results, reinforcing the importance of diplomacy. He addressed the faithful in St. Peter’s Square, calling for an end to hostilities in Ukraine.
This report includes contributions from Associated Press journalists Volodymyr Yurchuk and Yevhenii Ocheretianyi in Kyiv and Elise Morton in London.
Leave a Reply