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US envoys visit Kyiv after Putin talks
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The gist
US envoys Witkoff and Kushner met Putin in Moscow, then Zelenskyy in Kyiv. First Kyiv visit aims to revive stalled peace talks amid intensified aerial attacks.
Background
The US envoys' visit is part of a renewed push to end Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now in its fifth year. The talks come after a summer of heightened aerial attacks by both sides, with no broader ceasefire in place. The US focus on Iran has been cited as a reason for the stalled peace efforts.
How it unfolded
- Sep 5, 2026Witkoff and Kushner arrived in Moscow and met with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev upon arrival.
- Sep 5, 2026Russian attacks killed 4 in Ukraine as both sides prepared for the US envoys' visit.
- Sep 6, 2026Witkoff and Kushner met with Putin in Moscow for several hours, discussing 'substantive plans for next steps.'
- Sep 6, 2026The envoys traveled by train from Poland to Kyiv, their first visit to the Ukrainian capital since the invasion began.
- Sep 6, 2026They held 'encouraging' talks with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, joined by representatives of Britain, France, and Germany.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- White House said the envoys discussed 'substantive plans for next steps' with Putin, with an announcement expected in coming weeks.
- Official
- Zelenskyy said he was 'ready for a substantive conversation' and Ukraine would halt airstrikes during the envoys' trip.
- Analysts
- The visit is seen as a test of whether the US can revive peace efforts after losing momentum due to its focus on Iran.
Still unverified
Details of the 'substantive plans' discussed with Putin are not yet public; an announcement is expected in coming weeks.