President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner arrived in Ukraine on Sunday, marking a significant diplomatic push to resolve the ongoing conflict. This visit follows a three-hour meeting the pair held with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday, where they discussed substantive plans for the next steps in the peace process.
Ahead of the envoys’ arrival in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of “security guarantees” and a lasting peace. Zelenskyy noted that European security advisers are expected to participate in upcoming discussions, telling reporters that the schedule includes several important sessions involving both the U.S. delegation and European national security advisers.
During their Moscow visit, the U.S. representatives and the Russian leadership explored potential mutually beneficial deals. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that the American team had prepared thoroughly for the trip and formulated several ideas regarding possible paths toward a settlement. At the start of their meeting, which was documented on video, Putin requested that Kushner and Witkoff convey his gratitude and warm wishes to President Trump, while acknowledging that the situation in Ukraine remains complex.
President Trump previously indicated that his envoys were traveling with a specific “idea for peace,” expressing optimism that there is a good chance for a successful outcome. To facilitate the diplomatic efforts, both Russia and Ukraine agreed to a temporary pause in military strikes. Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin ordered a three-day halt to attacks on Kyiv, a move mirrored by President Zelenskyy, who committed to suspending strikes until Monday.
The diplomatic mission also addressed the recent release of U.S. Marine veteran Robert Gilman. The 32-year-old teacher, who had been imprisoned in Russia since 2022, was freed last month. According to Global Reach, an organization involved in his release, Gilman had been hospitalized in serious condition prior to his liberation due to alleged severe mistreatment. The U.S. delegation reportedly expressed gratitude to Putin for his release during their Moscow talks.
International calls for a resolution continue to mount. Pope Leo XIV used his Sunday prayer in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican to renew his appeal for peace. The pontiff expressed hope that the recent efforts to resume negotiations would bear concrete fruit and successfully pave the way for diplomacy.
This trip represents the first time these envoys have visited Ukraine since President Trump assumed office with a mandate to end the war. While specific details of the peace proposal remain under wraps, the White House has indicated that further information regarding the next steps will be announced in the coming weeks. The report also notes that and then another session will be held with the European NSAs (national security advisers), we are expecting one session of our talks. The report also notes that the White House official also said that the U.S. The report also notes that agence France-Presse contributed to this report. The report also notes that trump names new acting Army secretary after Driscoll resigns. The report also notes that missouri’s top court blocks new House map favoring GOP until voters can weigh in.
