US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow on Saturday for talks on ending the war in Ukraine, embarking on a diplomatic push that includes a planned visit to Kyiv amid continuing airstrikes and deep strategic divisions over peace terms.
The diplomatic mission marks the first visit by the two mediators to Moscow since January, coming after encouraging remarks from Russian leadership following months of delay. President Donald Trump dispatched his envoys carrying a new proposal aimed at resolving the conflict, which has continued for more than four years.
Arrival in Moscow and Preparations for Kyiv
Two sources familiar with the trip confirmed that Witkoff and Kushner landed in the Russian capital on Saturday, where Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev greeted them at Vnukovo state airport. A motorcade subsequently transported the officials toward the city center. Aviation sources noted that a business-style jet had landed prior to the delegation’s arrival. The itinerary positions the envoys to travel to Kyiv next for meetings with Ukrainian leadership.
The diplomatic effort builds upon earlier intelligence contacts. Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe visited Moscow roughly ten days prior to meet with top Russian security and intelligence officials to discuss diplomatic avenues.
Airstrikes and Security Arrangements Around Kyiv
The diplomatic mission unfolds against a backdrop of intense aerial bombardments. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russian strikes targeting two airports in the capital and the neighboring town of Boryspil ahead of the scheduled visit. Zelenskyy stated that officials had discussed the possibility of the American delegation arriving by air, despite Ukrainian airspace remaining closed since the onset of the conflict in February 2022.
To facilitate the mission, Kyiv announced a halt to airstrikes starting Saturday night to ensure the safety of the visiting US delegation, calling on Moscow to observe a corresponding pause through Tuesday. Fulfilling that request, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that President Vladimir Putin issued an order halting air raids against Kyiv for 72 hours.
Putin ordered not to carry out any airstrikes against Kyiv for three days. Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin Spokesperson
Deep Strategic Divides Over Peace Terms
Substantial gaps separate the negotiating parties. Moscow maintains that conditions outlined by Putin remain unchanged, requiring Ukraine to cede control of four entire regions claimed by Russia and abandon ambitions to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Kyiv rejects any territorial concessions or security restrictions.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov emphasized that Washington must account for the situation on the ground. Ryabkov stated that the fundamental question is the US administration’s readiness to seek a genuine solution that incorporates current battlefield realities, noting that battlefield trends do not favor Kyiv.
Next Steps in the Diplomatic Timeline
Following their discussions in Moscow, the US mediators are scheduled to travel to Kyiv to meet with President Zelenskyy. Trump stated that the envoys were sent to see if a deal can be reached, expressing optimism that a viable opportunity exists.
