President Trump’s White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner visited Ukraine on Sunday. Their trip started in Moscow, where they discussed a proposal to end the ongoing war with Russia.
This visit marks the first time these envoys have traveled to Ukraine since President Trump assumed office with a commitment to resolve the conflict. Before their arrival, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized on social media the need for ‘security guarantees’ and peace.
Witkoff and Kushner engaged in a three-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday. A White House official stated that ‘substantive plans for next steps’ were discussed, and announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
Before they departed, President Trump informed reporters about the envoys’ mission to Ukraine and Russia, suggesting a potential resolution to the conflict. Trump mentioned they had ‘an idea for peace’ and expressed optimism about their chances of success.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov noted that the American representatives were well-prepared for the trip, proposing several ideas for a settlement without revealing specifics.
At the beginning of the Moscow meeting, President Putin conveyed his warm wishes and gratitude to President Trump, acknowledging the complexity of the situation in Ukraine. Discussions also included potential U.S.-Russia agreements that could be ‘mutually beneficial.’
Both Ukraine and Russia agreed to pause strikes during the visit to facilitate talks. Russia’s presidential spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, told Tass news agency that President Putin ordered a three-day halt on strikes against Kyiv, coinciding with the envoys’ visit. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reciprocated by ceasing strikes until Monday.
A White House official reported that the U.S. delegation expressed gratitude to Putin for the release of Robert Gilman, a U.S. Marine veteran and teacher imprisoned in Russia since 2022. Gilman, who had been severely mistreated, was freed and allowed to return home last month.