Key Takeaways
- US President Donald Trump sends Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Moscow and Kyiv.
- The mission aims to negotiate an end to the four-year-old conflict.
- Zelensky proposes a ceasefire during the US envoys' visit.
US President Donald Trump has announced that he is sending envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Moscow and Kyiv with a plan to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This mission marks the first time that Trump’s son-in-law and businessman friend have visited Kyiv since the president returned to office last year with a vow to solve the conflict.
The US leader stated, 'They’re bringing with them a proposal to end the war,' during a press briefing. Trump did not specify whether the plan involved Ukraine ceding territory, a point he has previously suggested, but added, 'We have an idea for peace.'
Kushner and Witkoff have previously visited Moscow, leading to accusations that they have taken Russia’s side in negotiations. However, Trump defended their involvement, stating, 'I sent Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, two great negotiators. They’ve done a great job, and we sent them over to see whether or not we can get something done. And there may be a good chance that we’ll do it.'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed observing a ceasefire with Russia during the US envoys' visit. He said, 'There will be no airstrikes on our part, and Russia must reciprocally ensure a ceasefire – without its own airstrikes – for the duration needed to conduct these talks.'
A senior Ukrainian official told AFP that the two envoys would visit Kyiv on Sunday. The Kremlin declined to comment on the matter. A report in the US news outlet Axios suggested that Kushner and Witkoff would travel on Friday, meet Putin at the Kremlin on Saturday, and then Zelensky in Kyiv on Sunday.
The envoys have also been involved in negotiations for ceasefires in Gaza and Iran, indicating their experience in mediating conflicts. Trump has long been skeptical about maintaining support for Ukraine and had a televised row with Zelensky in the Oval Office in February 2025. With Putin, he has veered between friendliness and frustration.
Trump also addressed Germany’s recent accusation that Russia was behind an attempted drone attack on an airport, stating, 'I speak to him. I know him very well. Putin’s not looking to attack NATO territory.'
Trump has long demanded that Europeans shoulder more of the cost of Western support for Ukraine, indicating a shift in his approach towards the conflict. This mission by the US envoys could be a significant step towards resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
They’re bringing with them a proposal to end the war.
Donald Trump, US President
There will be no airstrikes on our part, and Russia must reciprocally ensure a ceasefire – without its own airstrikes – for the duration needed to conduct these talks.
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President
