US Envoys Meet Vladimir Putin in Moscow to Advance Peace Plans Before Traveling to Kyiv

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held a marathon meeting lasting more than three hours with Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday. The representatives arrived carrying Washington's latest proposals for advancing efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine, with subsequent talks scheduled with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv.

The White House characterized the discussions as focused on substantive plans for upcoming steps, noting that announcements are anticipated in the coming weeks ahead of the scheduled Sunday meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

While the Kremlin reported no immediate breakthrough, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that the American delegation introduced several ideas concerning potential pathways to a settlement. Although specific proposals remained undisclosed, Vladimir Putin shared his evaluation of the military situation and outlined requirements for a sustainable peace.

Yuri Ushakov characterized the talks as substantive, constructive, frank, and trusting. The discussions extended into an informal dinner, which also touched upon potential bilateral economic projects between Russia and the United States.

At the opening of the meeting, Vladimir Putin adopted a conciliatory approach, commending US President Donald Trump for maintaining peace efforts despite challenging circumstances. Vladimir Putin stated readiness to review all components and aspects of the situation.

Despite the diplomatic engagement, Moscow's core stance on a potential agreement appeared unchanged. Highlighting battlefield successes and expressing confidence in achieving military objectives, Vladimir Putin insisted that any resolution must address the root causes of the conflict, according to Yuri Ushakov. Significant divisions persist with Kyiv, as Russia continues to demand a Ukrainian withdrawal from contested territories and a permanent halt to Kyiv’s Nato ambitions, with the Kremlin reaffirming that Vladimir Putin's positions remain unshakeable.

This diplomatic push coincides with an escalation in hostilities. Over the preceding 10 days, Russia targeted Kyiv with missile and drone attacks, while Ukraine struck Russian oil infrastructure and other strategic locations far behind the front lines. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that Kyiv would pause strikes on Moscow during the delegation's visit and urged Russia to do the same. Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russia would guarantee the safety of the Americans and announced a temporary suspension of strikes on Kyiv during the visit. Following the conclusion of their meetings, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner departed Moscow en route to Kyiv.