KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Kyiv on Sunday in a renewed effort to conclude over 4½ years of Russia’s expansive invasion. Their visit follows a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday, with both parties escalating aerial attacks. Washington’s resolve to end the fighting has waned recently, as the Trump administration has concentrated on the Iran war for six months.
Russia’s Operational Changes
Russia has employed fast-flying, jet-powered drones, making air-raid sirens commonplace in Kyiv. Ukrainian forces face challenges along the expansive 1,250-kilometer front line. After discussions with U.S. officials, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized a “just, fair peace” that ensures no future aggression against Ukraine. He expressed gratitude for the American negotiators traveling to Kyiv for the first time. Zelenskyy noted that subsequent talks would involve national security advisers from Britain, France, and Germany.
Insights from U.S. Officials
Witkoff characterized the discussions as meaningful, substantive, and encouraging. Kushner remarked that President Donald Trump wants not only to end the war but also to form conditions for lasting peace. A senior Ukrainian official, requiring anonymity, revealed that discussions largely centered on overcoming challenges before winter arrives.
Moscow Talks Outcome
The Saturday talks in Moscow extended over three hours without notable outcomes. Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy adviser, described the talks as constructive and frank but did not disclose specific results. Comprehensive evaluations of the battlefield situation were shared, yet the discussions also covered wider economic issues and mutually beneficial joint projects.
Continued Hostilities
Despite agreed pauses in strikes on capitals during discussions, Russia and Ukraine continued exchanges. Russia’s attacks resulted in casualties and injuries across Ukrainian regions. Drone and missile strikes affected Zaporizhzhia and Khmelnytskyi, with Ukraine intercepting numerous drones and missiles. In Russia, a Ukrainian drone attack resulted in death and injury in the Belgorod region. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported shooting down substantial numbers of Ukrainian drones.
Public Sentiment in Ukraine
In Kyiv, citizens participated in a 9 a.m. moment of silence for fallen soldiers. While some, like Nataliia Lipei, hope for talks to end the bloodshed, skepticism, as expressed by Oleksandr Pastukhov, prevails due to previous failed ceasefires.
International Appeal for Peace
Pope Leo XIV renewed his call for peace in Ukraine, hoping for diplomatic solutions from recent negotiations, addressing his followers in St. Peter’s Square. He underscored the necessity of fruitful outcomes from these renewed dialogues.
Associated Press journalists Volodymyr Yurchuk and Yevhenii Ocheretianyi in Kyiv, Ukraine, and Elise Morton in London contributed to this report.
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