US envoys Witkoff and Kushner conclude Kyiv talks with Zelensky without breakthrough on peace terms
US mediators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv for three rounds of talks, discussing winter aid and security guarantees while core territorial disputes remained unresolved.
Three rounds of negotiations in Kyiv
US mediators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Kyiv aboard the Peace Express passenger train following meetings held the previous day in Moscow. The visit aimed to establish a diplomatic framework to end the armed conflict, which has continued for more than four years. The envoys conducted three rounds of discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with European security advisers joining the delegation during the final session. Witkoff stated that an agreement requires both Kyiv and Moscow to make compromises and narrow their outstanding disagreements, though the talks produced no structural breakthrough.
It is very difficult, but we are committed, we care, and we hope this will lead to a peaceful and successful diplomatic solution.
- US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner hold preliminary talks in Moscow.
- Witkoff and Kushner arrive in Kyiv on the Peace Express and conduct three rounds of talks with Volodymyr Zelensky.
- Donald Trump reviews mission findings with envoys ahead of planned phone calls with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky.
Diverging positions on territory and security
The core diplomatic impasse remains unchanged across key territorial and structural demands. Moscow demands full recognition of four partially controlled Ukrainian regions alongside a neutral, demilitarized status for Ukraine. The government in Kyiv rejects these demands, calling instead for a freeze along the active frontline, clear multilateral security guarantees, and the retention of a fully equipped standing army. Zelensky maintained that territorial concessions cannot be settled by envoys, stating that decisions of such complexity must be resolved directly between presidents. Kushner voiced support for establishing a future trilateral negotiating format encompassing the United States, Ukraine, and Russia, noting that Washington is assembling a dedicated peace package to facilitate formal talks.
Immediate focus on air defense and winter energy supplies
Zelensky directed significant attention during the bilateral sessions to urgent military and logistical requirements ahead of the winter months. Ukrainian officials emphasized the urgent need for additional Patriot air defense batteries to protect urban centers and critical infrastructure. The discussions also covered the details of an international winter support package, including energy sector rehabilitation and access to large volumes of American liquefied natural gas. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine requires concrete economic and military security guarantees to ensure postwar recovery and maintain territorial defense.
If the war should continue into the winter, we rely heavily on the winter package, which I discussed in detail today with Steve, Jared, and our European partners.
International tensions and subsequent diplomatic steps
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day local truce over Kyiv to facilitate the American envoys' visit, though Russian military strikes against other Ukrainian cities continued throughout the diplomatic mission. Concurrently, diplomatic friction increased between Russia and European nations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Germany of leveling unsubstantiated allegations over drone activity at Leipzig airport, describing Berlin's diplomatic measures as the beginning of a real war. In Italy, political controversy surfaced regarding Rome's absence from the European security delegation in Kyiv. Following the conclusion of the talks, Donald Trump will consult with Witkoff and Kushner before holding separate telephone discussions with Zelensky and Putin as the temporary truce expires.
