Following negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have departed for Kiev to meet with Ukrainian officials as part of American efforts to mediate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the talks held on Saturday between Putin and the U.S. envoys as indicative of an “atmosphere of trust” between Moscow and Washington, stating that such communication channels are “growing stronger.”
Peskov told Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin on Sunday that the exchange of greetings between foreign dignitaries is extended when the head of state deems it necessary to convey messages.
Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov noted that the discussions between Putin and Witkoff and Kushner, which lasted over three hours and included formal talks as well as an informal lunch meeting, were “substantive, constructive, extremely candid and trusting.”
Ushakov said the U.S. negotiators presented several considerations for possible paths toward a settlement of the Ukraine conflict. The two sides also discussed economic cooperation and potential “major, mutually beneficial Russian-American projects.” He characterized the talks as “timely and very useful for both sides,” adding that Putin and Trump intend to continue personal contacts and diplomatic work led by Witkoff and Kushner.
The Russian president previously praised his U.S. counterpart for sustained efforts to end hostilities between Moscow and Kyiv.
Ahead of the U.S. negotiators’ arrival in Kiev, Putin ordered a three-day pause in strikes on the Ukrainian capital to facilitate their mission.
