Russian president Vladimir Putin has begun talks with US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff at the Kremlin on Saturday, aiming to end over four years of war in Ukraine, according to reports. The negotiations come amid a temporary agreement between Moscow and Kyiv not to strike each other’s capitals for three days during the discussions.
The talks mark a renewed US-led effort to resolve Europe’s most severe conflict since World War II. Kushner and Witkoff are expected to visit Kyiv on Sunday as part of the diplomatic push.
KEY FACTS
- Russian president Vladimir Putin began talks with US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff at the Kremlin on Saturday.
- Both Russia and Ukraine agreed not to strike each other’s capitals for three days during negotiations.
- The US envoys are expected to visit Kyiv on Sunday for further discussions.
- The conflict in Ukraine has lasted more than four years.
- These talks represent an attempt to revive US-led diplomacy to end the war.
What are the immediate goals of these talks?
The primary immediate outcome appears to be the three-day cessation of attacks on capital cities, providing a limited window for negotiations to proceed without the immediate threat of escalation. The involvement of US envoys suggests Washington is attempting to resume its mediating role in the conflict, though the specific proposals or frameworks being discussed haven’t been disclosed.
What’s the historical context?
The Ukraine conflict, now in its fifth year, represents Europe’s most significant military confrontation since World War II. Previous diplomatic efforts have seen varying degrees of involvement from international actors, with periods of tension alternating with temporary ceasefires. The conflict has caused thousands of casualties and displaced millions, with no permanent resolution achieved through earlier negotiations.
WHAT WE KNOW — AND WHAT WE DON’T
Verified by the source:
- Talks between Putin, Kushner and Witkoff began Saturday in Moscow
- A three-day mutual agreement not to strike capitals is in place
- The US envoys plan to visit Kyiv on Sunday
Still unconfirmed:
- The specific proposals or terms being discussed
- Whether these talks represent a fundamentally new initiative or continuation of previous efforts
- The level of Ukrainian government involvement beyond the capital protection agreement
WHY IT MATTERS
Any substantive progress in these talks could significantly alter the course of Europe’s most protracted modern conflict, with implications for regional security, global geopolitics, and the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. Successful diplomacy might establish a framework for broader peace negotiations, while failure could lead to renewed escalation.
WHAT TO WATCH
The upcoming meeting in Kyiv on Sunday may indicate whether these initial Moscow discussions yielded any concrete proposals to bring to Ukrainian officials. Observers will monitor whether the three-day capital protection agreement holds and if it might be extended, as well as any official statements from the involved parties about the talks’ progress.