U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on September 6 without securing a breakthrough in Ukraine-Russia peace talks, following three-hour discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on September 5. Both sides emphasized “substantive” talks but offered no immediate resolution to the war, which has persisted for over four years.
Putin’s Kremlin described the September 5 talks with Witkoff and Kushner as “highly useful,” while Zelenskyy acknowledged the discussions covered air defense needs and a “winter package” of support, though he stressed that Russia’s aggression would continue into colder months.
U.S. Envoys’ Dual Visits: Moscow and Kyiv
On September 5, Witkoff and Kushner met with Putin for over three hours in the Kremlin, where the Russian leader reiterated his stance that Ukraine must cede four disputed regions and abandon NATO aspirations. A Kremlin aide, Yuri Ushakov, stated that the Americans outlined a number of ideas regarding possible avenues for a settlement,
though no specifics were disclosed. Putin praised Trump’s efforts to end the war, calling them timely and highly useful for both sides.
The envoys then traveled to Kyiv, where Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s demand for serious volumes
of U.S. and European support, including Patriot air defense systems and energy infrastructure aid.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin had ordered a three-day halt to strikes on Kyiv, effective from September 5, to ensure the envoys’ safety. Zelenskyy, in turn, pledged to refrain from attacking Moscow through Monday. Despite these temporary pauses, both sides intensified long-range air strikes in recent weeks, with Ukraine targeting the Ryazan oil refinery and Russia attacking Kyiv’s SBU headquarters.
Stalemate on Key Issues
Russia and Ukraine remain far apart on core issues, with Moscow insisting on territorial gains in eastern Ukraine and Kyiv rejecting any concessions. A Kremlin source told Reuters that there is no chance of reaching an agreement regarding the front line until Putin finishes securing the remaining part of the Donetsk region,
a goal the Kremlin claims will be achieved by year’s end.
Both sides have indicated that further talks will be announced in the coming weeks, though no specific dates or locations were revealed. A White House official described the envoys’ efforts as “substantive,” while the Kremlin emphasized its commitment to addressing all the root causes of the conflict.
However, with Russia’s focus on capturing Donetsk and Ukraine’s refusal to negotiate territorial losses, a breakthrough remains uncertain.
Kushner, speaking after the Kyiv meeting, said the trip had “learned a lot,” but did not elaborate on future steps. As the war enters its fifth winter, the lack of progress underscores the deepening entrenchment of both sides.
The next phase of negotiations could hinge on whether the U.S. can bridge the gap between Kyiv’s demands and Moscow’s territorial ambitions.
