US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss a proposal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump’s top negotiators, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, held three hours of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday. The meeting, described by Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov as constructive and frank, focused on a proposal to end the war in Ukraine. The envoys are scheduled to travel to Kyiv on Sunday for their first visit to the Ukrainian capital to continue discussions with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Diplomatic Engagement and Strike Halts

During the Moscow meeting, Witkoff thanked Putin for agreeing to a three-day halt on strikes against each other's capitals. Russian state media reported that Putin ordered the suspension of strikes on Kyiv to accommodate the US visit. However, Putin clarified in televised remarks that this pause does not constitute a ceasefire for the rest of Ukraine, stating that Russia would only ensure the security of the negotiating process and the mediators themselves. President Zelensky confirmed he had spoken with the US envoys and approved a plan for diplomatic engagements in Kyiv. He noted that Ukraine is prepared to refrain from strikes on Moscow through Monday, expecting a reciprocal commitment from Russia regarding Kyiv. Earlier, Zelensky reported Russian strikes on airports in Kyiv and Boryspil, which he characterized as a reaction to preparations for the US team's arrival.

Scope of Discussions

While the primary focus remains the conflict in Ukraine, Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov stated that the discussions also covered economic issues and potential mutually beneficial Russian-American projects. Ushakov noted that the talks addressed the root causes of the conflict and included an acknowledgement of recent Russian military advances in the combat zone. Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, significant disagreements persist between the warring sides regarding territorial control and security guarantees for Ukraine. Russia currently maintains control over approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, areas seized since 2022. Previous attempts by the US and European allies to broker a peace deal have not resulted in a breakthrough.