US envoys Witkoff and Kushner meet Putin at Kremlin

U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and former senior adviser Jared Kushner met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Saturday, marking a rare high‑level engagement between the two governments amid ongoing tensions over the conflict in Ukraine and a series of Western sanctions. The meeting, held behind closed doors, was the first direct contact between senior U.S. representatives and the Russian leader since the escalation of hostilities in early 2022, and it followed a series of diplomatic overtures aimed at opening channels for dialogue on security, humanitarian aid and the release of detained nationals.

Both envoys indicated that the discussions focused on de‑escalation measures, the potential for humanitarian corridors, and avenues for easing certain economic restrictions contingent on compliance with international norms. While no formal agreements were announced, officials from both sides said the talks were constructive and would inform subsequent diplomatic efforts. The meeting underscores a tentative shift toward renewed dialogue, though concrete outcomes remain to be seen.